Blackwater 'killed 17', says Iraq

BBC

The Iraqi government says a shooting in Baghdad last month involving the US security firm, Blackwater, killed more people than previously thought.

Originally it was said that 11 Iraqis had died but the government now says Blackwater guards killed 17 people.

Iraqi investigators also said that the Blackwater men did not come under fire.

Blackwater has not responded to the latest allegations, but has disputed previous accusations that its staff were the first to open fire.

But an Iraqi government spokesman said that the actions of the Blackwater employees amounted to deliberate killing.

"The investigation committee appointed by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki... has found that there was no evidence that the convoy of Blackwater came under fire directly or indirectly," spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said on Sunday.

"It was not hit even by a stone," he added.......