Feds Condemn Blackwater Guards

More than a year after Blackwater Worldwide security guards opened fire in a crowded Baghdad square, top Justice Department prosecutors are reviewing a draft indictment against six of the contractors, people close to the investigation said. An indictment would cap an investigation into a shooting that left 17 Iraqi civilians dead, strained relations between Washington and Baghdad, and became the flashpoint in the debate over whether the U.S. relies too heavily on contractors in war zones. Senior Justice Department officials are reviewing the draft indictment and considering manslaughter and assault charges against the guards. Details were described by people close to the case who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the case. No decision on charges is expected until late this month at the earliest. If approved, the final indictment could name as few as three of the six guards.

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