On 20 August 2003, at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gunner (vic. Taji, Iraq), during the interrogation of Mr. Yehiya K. Hamoodi, an Iraqi Police Officer, LTC Allen West, Commander of 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Battalion (2-20 FA), 4th Infantry Division (4ID), fired his side arm into a clearing barrel while Mr. Hamoodi's head was held over the barrel.
Private security companies have aided US Forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom since the summer of 2003. By December 2005, the US Government paid in excess of $750 million to such firms. Further, private security contractors account for the second largest military presence in Iraq with approximately 8500 personnel.
The Maywand District killings were the murders of at least three Afghan civilians perpetrated by a group of Army Soldiers in 2010.