5 Blackwater Guards Charged in Death of Iraqi Civilians

According to U.S. prosecutors, Blackwater Worldwide security guards used grenade launchers and machine guns during an attack on unarmed Iraqi civilians. Today, prosecutors unsealed a 35-count indictment against five guards for the 2007 shootings.

The guards surrendered in Utah, where prosecutors are arguing the case should be tried. The Justice Department has charged all five men with manslaughter, attempted manslaughter, and using a machine gun in a crime of violence. The machine gun related charge carries a mandatory minimum 30 year prison sentence.

US attorney Jeffery Taylor said that the guards were authorized only to take defensive actions.

A sixth guard took a plea deal and admitted to killing at least one Iraqi civilian in the shooting.