KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - The Canadian military has acknowledged using an unlicensed private security firm to guard one of its forward operating bases.
Task Force Kandahar conducted a review of its private security contracts following a decree earlier this year by Afghan President Hamid Karzai banning most firms from operating in the country after Dec. 17.
Lt.- Col. Tim Marcella says the military is working with the company to get it registered ahead of the December deadline, which would allow it to keep operating.
Officials say they have never had a problem with the unlicensed firm, the name of which they refused to divulge for security reasons.
Canada has nine contracts worth $9 million this fiscal year with four companies to provide security at its forward operating bases.
Karzai has been under intense pressure from NATO allies to ease the ban, which some fear will undermine security and aid projects.
