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Witness History: Iraq War: US security guards killed my son

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Iraq War: US security guards killed my son

17/03/2023 GMT

BBC World Service - Witness History, Iraq War: US security guards killed my son

In 2007, private US Blackwater security guards opened fire on Iraqi civilians

On 16 September 2007, private security guards employed by the American firm Blackwater opened fire on civilians in Baghdad. Mohammed Kinani's son was one of the victims.

It has been 20 years since the start of the Iraq War.

On 16 September 2007, private security guards employed by the American firm Blackwater opened fire on civilians in Baghdad's Nisour Square. Seventeen Iraqis were killed, and another 20 injured.  

The Blackwater guards, who were escorting a convoy from the American embassy, claimed that they had come under attack from insurgents, but eye-witnesses and Iraqi officials quickly dismissed that version of events.

Mohammed Kinani's nine year old son, Ali, was one of the victims.

In this programme, first broadcast in 2020, Mohammed shares his story with Mike Lanchin.

(Photo: An Iraqi looks at a burnt car on the site where Blackwater guards opened fire on civilians in Baghdad. Credit:  Ali Yussef/AFP via Getty Images)

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