Iraq: Blackwater shootings unprovoked

BAGHDAD, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Iraqi officials said Tuesday their investigation of the killing of Iraqi citizens by Blackwater security personnel indicates the shootings were unprovoked.

Iraq announced it completed its investigation into the Sept. 16 incident when Blackwater USA, a private security firm under contract to the U.S. State Department, opened fire in a crowded square in Baghdad, killing 17 and wounded 27, CNN reported.

Iraqi officials said they were satisfied that the shootings by Blackwater employees were "unprovoked and random," the news network said.

Through an adviser, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has asked the United States to "pull Blackwater out of Iraq."

Still under way are the FBI-led U.S. investigation into the incident and a joint U.S.-Iraqi probe.