SA's 'security experts' defy the law - apartheid paramilitary in Iraq

[dArKeR]

Francois Strydom learnt about killing in Koevoet, South Africa's apartheid-era paramilitary police unit, notorious for violence, torture and murder.

In Iraq, Strydom found his skills were in demand.

Employed by United States-based firm SAS International, Strydom was one of a number of South Africans in Iraq working as private "security experts" before a January 28 bomb outside the Shaheen hotel prematurely terminated his contract.

The aftermath of the blast sent shockwaves through South Africa's media, as Strydom's death revealed an embarrassing situation. The national media estimated 1 500 former soldiers and police officers were operating in Iraq, in defiance of stringent legislation forbidding the practice.

http://www.mg.co.za/Content/l3.asp?ao=32113

[htuttle]

1. It makes sense

The Bushes would have already had their phone numbers.

[aquart]

2. In defiance of whose legislation?

Love the way the contract ended, though.

[DuctapeFatwa]

3. The Serb ethnic cleansers can't be everywhere!

Serb paramilitary troops who last saw action in the ethnic cleansing of Kosovo in 1999 are being trained for anti-terrorist duties in Afghanistan beside some of the US forces who helped expel them from the Yugoslav province. The 1000-strong force comprises some former members of the "red berets", a feared military police unit which helped lead the campaign to drive the Albanian majority out of Kosovo and wipe out Kosovo Liberation Army resistance fighters.

http://www.nni-news.com/current/world/news-10.htm