Sep 18, 2007 Ã? Baghdad, Iraq Ã? Blackwater USA the private security firm under State Department contract to help the efforts in Iraq of the U.S. Government, has had it's license revoked by Iraq government. After Blackwater USA was involved in a gunfight in which at least eight civilians died. As ma

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Sep 18, 2007 � Baghdad, Iraq � Blackwater USA the private security firm under State Department contract to help the efforts in Iraq of the U.S. Government, has had it's license revoked by Iraq government. After Blackwater USA was involved in a gunfight in which at least eight civilians died. As many as 20, 000 private security contractors are working in Iraq. The Iraqi interior ministry said the contractor, based in North Carolina, was now banned from operating in Iraq. The Blackwater workers, who were contracted by the US state department, apparently opened fire after coming under attack in Baghdad on Sunday. Thousands of private security guards are employed in lawless Iraq. They are often heavily armed, but critics say some are not properly trained and are not accountable except to their employers. All Blackwater personnel have been told to leave Iraq immediately, with the exception of the men involved in the incident on Sunday. They will have to remain in the country and stand trial, the ministry said. PICTURED: Moyock, NC Aug 02, 2006, Blackwater Academy recruit PHILLIP WEST stands ready to open a door as four recruits hold one another's shoulders just before entering a house that contains potential threats during a training exercise at the Blackwater USA compound in Moyock. Blackwater USA is a private military contractor and security firm based in the U.S. state of North Carolina. The company describes itself as providing support to 'military, government agencies, law enforcement and civilian entities in training, targets and range operations.' Mandatory Credit: Photo by Chris Curry/The Virginian-Pilot/ZUMA Press. (©) Copyright 2006 by The Virginian-Pilot