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Gulf States Reportedly Reach Blackwater to Discuss US 'Arab Force' Plan in Syria

© AP Photo / Andrew HarnikA former member of Blackwater joines family members, friends, and supporters of four former Blackwater security guards outside the federal court in Washington, Monday, April 13, 2015
A former member of Blackwater joines family members, friends, and supporters of four former Blackwater security guards outside the federal court in Washington, Monday, April 13, 2015 - Sputnik International
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The Wall Street Journal reported, citing American officials, that the Trump Administration has mulled assembling an Arab force that would replace US troops in Syria.

According to the media outlet, the US plan has been quite popular with founder of the American private security contractor Blackwater, now known as Academi, Erik Prince, who has faced an avalanche of criticism for helping set up private security forces in the United Arab Emirates and Somalia.

READ MORE: Western Actions in Syria 'Manifestation of Typical Hegemony' — Chinese Analysts

The so-called “Merchant of Death” has reportedly said that Arab officials have contacted him to discuss the prospects of assembling a force in Syria; he, however, has decided to wait and see what President Donald Trump would do.

In this Sept. 17, 2015 file photo, Saudi security forces take part in a military parade in preparation for the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. - Sputnik International
US Wants to Replace Its Troops in Syria With Gulf States' Militaries - Reports
The United States has approached Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, asking the countries to contribute billions of dollars to stabilize the northeastern part of Syria in order to prevent the emergence of a ”security vacuum” in the war-torn country. Unnamed American officials have also told the Wall Street Journal that Washington wants the Gulf States to send their servicemen to the area.

Blackwater gained notoriety in 2007 after its mercenaries gunned down 17 Iraqi civilians in Baghdad while under contract by the US government during the Iraq War.

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