WASHINGTON (AP) — Four ex-Blackwater guards are pleading not guilty to multiple manslaughter charges stemming from a deadly 2007 shooting on the streets of Baghdad.

Prosecutors say the heavily armed Blackwater convoy launched an unprovoked attack. Defense lawyers argue their clients, who entered their pleas Wednesday, are innocent men who were ambushed by Iraqi insurgents.

Recommended Stories

Blackwater defendant seeks ruling on status

Blackwater defendant seeks dismissal of charges

Trump says abandoning Afghan airfield was critical mistake