Rice acts to boost oversight of contractors in Iraq
Source: Reuters
WASHINGTON, Oct 23 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice ordered measures on Tuesday to boost oversight of security contractors in Iraq, including tighter rules on the use of force and improved training, the State Department said. The move follows a shooting incident on Sept. 16 in Baghdad that involved State Department security contractor Blackwater and resulted in at least 17 Iraqi deaths. Other measures include clearer rules of engagement of private security guards and better coordination with the U.S. military, the State Department said. Earlier this month, Rice ordered that cameras be installed on all vehicles run by Blackwater and diplomatic security agents accompany them on all convoys out of the international zone in Baghdad. Rice made the move following recommendations by a panel of experts she appointed to look into the work of private security contractors after the Sept. 16 shooting incident.
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