Blackwater Explosive Detection Teams in Action – Baghdad, Iraq
Two Blackwater K-9 bomb detection teams, consisting of one handler and one dog each, exhibited extraordinary bravery while patrolling a U.S./Iraqi government meeting site in Baghdad, June, 2005. Their actions, attention to detail and selfless devotion to duty resulted in the discovery of a large vehicle born improvised explosive device (VBIED) and a second improvised explosive device (IED). These actions saved many innocent lives and averted a tragedy.
On May 4, at 1545 hours, two Blackwater K-9 handlers and their K-9’s were attached to a senior U.S. diplomatic detail operating in the heart of the Sunni Triangle. They arrived at the residence of an important Iraqi Government official, separated into two teams and began conducting bomb searches at separate locations. Both handlers had been to this location on numerous occasions. During their normal search routine, the dogs were becoming increasingly uneasy. They’d noticed a strange reduction in the normal level of security associated with the venue. Shrugging off their apprehension the handlers continued searching the vehicles outside the structure.
Suddenly, one of the dogs alerted, pawing at the rear wheel well of one particular car. The dog’s reaction was strong enough to indicate a problem. His handler called to the other Blackwater K-9 specialist and asked him to confirm the alert with his dog. The second K-9 team approached cautiously; after all, this was Baghdad. Most explosives left by insurgents were command detonated. Meaning that someone was probably watching the scene from a safe distance, ready to make a cell phone call that would detonate the bomb.
The second dog circled the suspect vehicle and then stopped suddenly – alerting vigorously near the same rear wheel well. The two Blackwater handlers looked at each other thinking that this was more than enough confirmation that something bad was about to happen. Relying on their training and their experience there was no mistake, a large explosive device was sitting right in front of the meeting site … and a senior U.S. diplomat was only minutes away.
The Blackwater K-9 handlers were in their late thirties, former law enforcement and military veterans. They had worked for Blackwater and the U.S. Government in Iraq for more than two years. This wasn’t their first bomb detection drill but as pros, they knew time was of the essence. They moved away from the vehicle and called their supervisor. Immediately, the U.S. command center received word about the bomb and directed that the diplomatic motorcade abort the meeting and return to safety. Other Blackwater security personnel staged at the venue began evacuating the Iraqi civilians and securing the area. At the same time, one of the Blackwater personnel observed a suspect video taping their actions from a nearby rooftop. It was now apparent that this was a well-planned ambush dedicated to killing the U.S. diplomat. The team received word that the diplomat and his motorcade had safely arrived at a secure compound. U.S. Army E.O.D. (explosive ordnance disposal) was deployed and linked up with the Blackwater team on site. E.O.D. was able to quickly set up and upon their inspection discovering a bomb composed of TNT. The combined U.S. Army/Blackwater team conducted a secondary search of the area and discovered another IED. This device was a 120mm artillery shell that was rigged for detonation and placed near the roadway. Explosive charges of this size would have destroyed the building. The bombs would have killed countless innocent Iraqis and undoubtedly killed both the U.S. diplomat and the senior Iraqi official, had it not been discovered by the Blackwater K-9 team.
Blackwater K-9 handlers train and operate as a team. They selflessly place their own lives in danger to protect others. Surely, without them, this day may have ended in tragedy. The names of these brave two Americans have been omitted to protect them as they continue even now to patrol the most dangerous place in the world in support of America.