Source:
ReutersSome contractors over-react in Iraq: U.S. generalFri Sep 28, 2007 1:35pm EDT
By Kristin Roberts and Sue Pleming
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Private security contractors, who
are under scrutiny over the shooting deaths of 11 Iraqis this
month, have over-reacted in some situations and used "over
the top" tactics, a U.S. general said on Friday.
U.S. defense officials say contractors in Iraq serve critical
roles that free U.S. troops up for other duties.
But officers, often speaking privately, say the strong-arm
tactics employed by private security contractors hurt troops'
efforts to secure the trust and cooperation of Iraqi civilians.
"I can certainly say I've seen them do some tactics that I
thought were over the top," said U.S. Brig. Gen. Joseph
Anderson, chief of staff for the Multi-National Corps-Iraq.
"Are they quicker with the trigger? Are they quicker to wave
a weapon, brandish a weapon, other tactics, cutting people
off? All of us have experienced, have seen different things at
different times. I have seen them, in my opinion, over-react
but that does not mean it's consistently the case," he told
Pentagon reporters by videolink from Iraq.
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