Meanwhile in Iraq, mourners buried two Iraqi women killed Tuesday by guards with another private military firm. The victims were driving home from work when their vehicle came under fire by guards with the Australia-based Unity Resources Group.

Unidentified relative: “They called me to Basra and told me that the security firms have shot them dead. She is a housewife.”

This week’s killings have further inflamed Iraqi anger at private security companies in Iraq.

Iraqi citizen: “These security firms are acting like the Mafia. They are not the firms that can provide the people and citizens with security. The Iraqi government cannot impose its control on them.”