The Afghanistan government on Thursday unequivocally rejected the idea of replacing U.S. and other international troops assisting in the fight against the Taliban with private contractors, an idea promoted by Blackwater founder Erik Prince, and went so far as to threaten legal action against those who send in mercenaries.

“The war on terrorism is led — and will continue to be led — by Afghan national security and defense forces with support from our international allies,” said the statement released by Afghanistan’s Office of National Security Council.