SA man in Iraq: We pray
2005-05-03 09:39
Pretoria - A former South African soldier and current security specialist in Baghdad on Monday told Beeld about the situation in Iraq amid recent bloody attacks.
"You pray... everybody prays before he gets into a vehicles, because the moment you move, you're a target," he said.
"During the past weekend there were 19 car bombs and explosions. Some of the less serious explosions aren't even reported anymore because the others claim the lives of people."
"Earlier, 14 foreign contractors were killed in two days.
"One of the Eastern European pilots who crawled out of the wreckage, was summarily executed by the attackers. We are aware of at least 29 armoured vehicles - used to transport foreign contractors - that have been stolen.
"These vehicles are stopped and the drivers pulled out and shot before the attackers speed off with the vehicle. So they have vehicles similar tot the ones used to transport foreign contractors and VIPs.
"They use these vehicles in drive-by-shootings, as people don't realise who the occupants are until its too late.''
The South African, who is contractually prohibited from talking to the media, and thus wants to remain anonymous, said the "road of death" between the Baghdad airport and the Green Zone, where most US soldiers, foreign contractors and security personnel live, has been closed.
The US air force runs a helicopter air bridge between the Green Zone and the Baghdad airport.
When there is no choice but to transport a contractor by road, a convoy of three to five vehicles are used and the guards often pray in small groups before they set off.
"Baghdad is a killing field. Until recently it was like a mortar practice ground, but that has subsided. Now the insurgents mostly use explosive devices buried in the roads and detonated when a vehicle drives over it, or car bombs.
"The insurgents simply park the vehicles next to the road and when their target drives past, they use a cellphone to detonate the bomb. There is also a sniper that terrorises us - he has shot four Americans and no one seems to be able to catch him."
Attacks have recently been aimed at Iraqi security forces. At least 116 people have died during the past five days.
The South African security contractor said ''many South Africans have returned home as the situation has become too dangerous. The brandy-and coke-brigade, who thought it was going to be all fun and games, have fortunately also gone home.
"The guys who are still in Iraq are hardened security men who are proud of their work. They behave themselves impeccably, because if your American boss catches you with a beer in one hand and a gun in the other, you are summarily fired.
"We work at least 12 hours a day and sometimes longer - if the going is as rough as it has been recently. It is clear that the Americans don't know how to get out of the mess. Meanwhile, we believe we are helping to get Iraq back on its feet."
Send e-mail to egibson@beeld.com