2005 Use of Gas (for traffic control) by Blackwater Leaves Questions

2005 Use of Gas (for traffic control) by Blackwater Leaves Questions

www.truthout.org

The New York Times

Thursday 10 January 2008

The helicopter was hovering over a Baghdad checkpoint into the Green Zone, one typically crowded with cars, Iraqi civilians and United States military personnel.

Suddenly, on that May day in 2005, the copter dropped CS gas, a riot-control substance the American military in Iraq can use only under the strictest conditions and with the approval of top military commanders. An armored vehicle on the ground also released the gas, temporarily blinding drivers, passers-by and at least 10 American soldiers operating the checkpoint.

"This was decidedly uncool and very, very dangerous," Capt. Kincy Clark of the Army, the senior officer at the scene, wrote later that day. "It's not a good thing to cause soldiers who are standing guard against car bombs, snipers and suicide bombers to cover their faces, choke, cough and otherwise degrade our awareness."

(visit the link for the full news article)

This is the stupidest thing I've ever read, hope they'll use it in a movie.

First the copter drops a CS canister to clear the traffic at the intersection. Instead they created an instant traffic jam. How are are drivers to get out of the way with eyes blinded by gas?

Then a moment after the motorcade arrives and its armoured escort throws another CS.

To make the chaos complete the copter drops one more canister before it leaves. WHAUWw.. !!@

Seems to me it is really gonzo over there in 'raq. And remember this happened in the green zone.

...and.. Oh yes, it was Blackwater who tried to get this motorcade through using riot control weapons. The army would never had got away with it, any personal could be court marshalled for such. But Blackwater.. Worldwide, as they now call themselves.. they can.

A wonder nobody got injured, guess that's why we haven't heard about it.

I wonder who was in the motorcade.


www.truthout.org
(visit the link for the full news article)

Man, that's insane.

Deploying CS unprovoked...that should be considered a form of inhumane treatment as it has been linked to health problems after exposure.

And, as mentioned above how does creating a smoke filled, toxic enveloped intersection increase the protection of the Mark? And on our guys...wow that's just plain jacked up, no wonder the real soldiers think so little of the private fellers like Blackwater.

Phooey

reply to post by LockwithnoKey


IMO, Blackwater or any contractor used in a "military" or enforcement capacity by the federal government should be subject to every single law, regulation, and risk of court martial that limits the use of our own armed forces.

This move was absolute stupidity, and there's no telling how many innocent lives, including American, these mercenaries being used as a loophole to circumvent funding oversight or legal limitations have cost.

You do know that blackwater have open fired on US Army don`t you? they don`t give a damn who they kill.

Seems as if Blackwater trumps the military in this situation. The clincher would be if they KNEW American military personel were in the area when they dropped the canisters.

The facts suggest they did, since an 'armoured vehicle' also released gas at the same time.

Innovation Begins with Experience



Blackwater Worldwide efficiently and effectively integrates a wide range of resources and core competencies to provide unique and timely solutions that exceed our customers’ stated needs and expectations.
We are guided by integrity, innovation, and a desire for a safer world. Blackwater Worldwide professionals leverage state-of-the-art training facilities, professional program management teams, and innovative manufacturing and production capabilities to deliver world-class, customer-driven solutions.

Our corporate leadership and dedicated family of exceptional employees adhere to essential core values- chief among these are integrity, innovation, excellence, respect, accountability, and teamwork.

www.blackwaterusa.com...

What kind of experience will they be utilizing at home when civil disobedience happens (which it will, eventually)?

Scary.





[edit on 10/1/08 by masqua]

Originally posted by LockwithnoKey
Man, that's insane.

Deploying CS unprovoked...that should be considered a form of inhumane treatment as it has been linked to health problems after exposure.

It is, it is classified as a chemical weapon according to conventions largely banning its use signed by US.

Where's the limit for the kind of weapons a private security corporation can own? They might need tactic CS gas, but would they need more sofisticated weapons? Like radiation or nuclear devicies.

reply to post by masqua


they don't seem to be top brainers those professionals with their "capabilities to deliver world-class, customer-driven solutions."

I guess some of the boys, brain or no brain, really get their kick in iraq.

They get the experience of running a war, small power-potent-hungry kids probably feeling like kings having their hayday,
...and they have all the newest hardware at their disposal.

That's scaryyyyy

reply to post by khunmoon


The really frightening aspect of this outfit is that they are available to anyone with sufficiently deep pockets. In this thread topic, it clearly shows that the US military comes second to their own intent and that they are willing to put American soldiers at risk.

I'll be watching for anyone that can prove that thinking wrong with hopeful anticipation.

Now, if an unamed multinational company would like to hire these 'soldiers of fortune' for a job in the Congo or Kenya, what's to stop them from doing whatever the company wants? A global organization of privately contracted soldiers working for the benefit profit driven corporations is a new twist, imo.

What has been happening in Iraq in this situation and others is a worrysome indication of where this can all lead. Imagine having Blackwater 'controlling' the situation at the next Bilderberger conference...

They do have a fleet of aircrafts incl fighters and gunships.

I did a thread on Blackwater's Bu$ine$$, I think I have it from there.

But I would like to know what kind of forbidden/secret weapons they have in their armoury.

You have got to be kidding me! I simply cannot see ANY justification for private military forces accountable only to thier "Client." Seems to me to be a blatant violation of international law.

Like another poster already stated... What is to stop some coproration or private billionaire from hiring this band of mercenaries and waging some type of personal war? Where are the checks and balances or accountability? The buck must stop somehwere with these a$$clowns and I would like to see that person hanging for treason!