By DPA
Washington : Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) believe most of the 17 fatal shootings of Iraqis in September by private security guards in Baghdad were unjustified, The New York Times reported Wednesday.
The Sep 16 shootings at a major Baghdad intersection by employees of the Blackwater security firm protecting US State Department officials sparked uproar about the use of private guards in Iraq.
Citing both civilian and military officials with knowledge of the investigation who spoke on condition of anonymity, the Times reported that FBI agents had found the shootings of at least 14 of the 17 Iraqis to have been unjustified.
The first three Iraqis shot in the incident might have been perceived as a threat by the Blackwater guards, according to the FBI findings. The probe is continuing.
It remains unclear whether the guards involved in the shooting can be prosecuted under US law.
FBI agents believe Blackwater claims that their armoured convoy was shot at first are unfounded, the Times reported.