(Australian) Diggers shoot driver (in Iraq)

[rodeodance]

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21058196-5001021,00.html
Diggers shoot driver

January 15, 2007 12:00


SOLDIERS from the Sydney-based 3RAR shot dead a truck driver in Baghdad, fearing he was launching an attack on the Australian embassy.

They opened fire after the man failed to stop at a checkpoint 200m from the embassy, ignoring orders from troops and signs telling him to stop. An army spokesman confirmed it took three volleys of fire to bring the vehicle to a stop.

The military are mystified as to why the man, believed to be a international contractor working in the secure Green Zone, failed to stop after passing through an earlier checkpoint without incident about 8am on Saturday.

No explosives or evidence of an attack being planned were found in a search of the truck after the shooting.

[rodeodance]

1. Truck driver a US employee (Halliburton) (The Age)

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/truck-driver-a-us-employee/2007/01/14/1168709615836.html

Truck driver a US employee
Misha Schubert, Canberra
January 15, 2007



Other related coverage
Australian soldiers kill truck driver


The truck driver shot and killed by Australian troops in Baghdad after he ignored signals to stop at a security checkpoint for the Australian Embassy was working for the major US contractor KBR, a subsidiary of Halliburton.

The Australian Defence Force has begun a probe into the incident. But both the Government and the Opposition yesterday backed the soldiers, who will be on light duties until the investigation is complete.

Prime Minister John Howard expressed "total confidence" in the ADF actions, and dismissed any connection between the incident and an increase in tension since US President George Bush announced his plan to increase US troops.

"I am sure (Australian troops) are serving in a very professional and courageous manner and acting in accordance with the rules of engagement laid out by the Australian Government," Mr Howard said.