Three foreign contractors reported killed in Iraq

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

BASRA, Iraq, June 25 (Reuters) - Three foreign security contractors were killed in an ambush on a private security convoy south of Basra in southern Iraq today, an Iraqi security source said.

Details of the attack, which took place near the Sunni town of Al Zubair, about 15 km southwest of Basra, were sketchy.

The security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the convoy had been attacked by gunmen and that at least two four-wheel-drive vehicles were destroyed.

The attack involved at least one roadside bomb and there were unconfirmed reports that it was carried out by a Shi'ite militia. The Mehdi Army of anti-American cleric Moqtada al-Sadr is a powerful force in Basra and often attacks British troops.

Major David Gell, a British military spokesman in Basra, confirmed there had been an incident involving a private security convoy but gave no details. The British embassy also confirmed the incident but said it had no information on the nationalities of those involved.

The name of the security company is not known, but such firms operating in Iraq do not typically divulge details of attacks on their employees.

Thousands of private security contractors are employed in Iraq to guard diplomats, government officials, convoys and installations around the country.

REUTERS SKB VC2007

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