Iraqi: Blackwater's absence poses threat

BAGHDAD, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- An Iraqi government official says the absence of the Blackwater U.S. security contractor could pose a significant security threat to Iraq.

Iraqi government official Tahseen Sheikhly said if the company is thrown out of Iraq for allegedly killing Iraqi civilians, the country's security would be placed at risk, the Voice of America reported Sunday.

"If this company left, it would leave a security vacuum, because foreign embassies and companies depend on protection by this company," Sheikhly said. "If they left immediately there would be a security vacuum that will demand pulling some troops that work in the field."

Sheikhly's comments came as the Iraqi government moved ahead with its plans to charge several Blackwater guards in deadly shootings earlier this month that left 11 people dead.

CNN said Sunday that Iraqi officials intend to file criminal charges against the guards within a week.

It is unclear how the criminal proceedings will play out since U.S. State Department officials contend Iraq has no authority over Blackwater and other private security firms hired by the U.S. government.