Two U.S. government personnel were accidentally shot by Eswatini soldiers late Friday during an anti-smuggling operation in northeastern Eswatini. Both sustained minor injuries, Eswatini officials said, and an official inquiry has been launched. The U.S. State Department confirmed the personnel are safe and is working with Eswatini on a joint investigation. Eswatini has described the case as a diplomatic matter and says it is treating the incident seriously.
Two U.S. Government Personnel Accidentally Shot During Eswatini Anti-Smuggling Operation; Suffer Minor Injuries
The Eswatini government didn't immediately identify the U.S. personnel or say why they were present (Mandel Ngan, Pool via AP, File)
Two U.S. government personnel were accidentally shot by Eswatini military forces late last week during an anti-smuggling operation in a rural area of northeastern Eswatini, the Eswatini government said.
What Happened
According to a government news release issued late Monday, the shooting occurred late on Friday while the Eswatini army was conducting an anti-smuggling operation in a remote part of the country. Eswatini government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli told The Associated Press that the two Americans sustained "minor injuries" and that an official inquiry has been opened.
Official Responses
The U.S. State Department confirmed the "affected U.S. personnel are safe" but declined to release their identities, saying it is cooperating with Eswatini authorities on a joint investigation. Eswatini army spokesperson Sandile Gwebu told the AP that the matter is now being treated as "a diplomatic issue" and is being handled by both governments.
Eswatini's statement: "The incident is being treated with the seriousness it warrants."
Context
Eswatini is a small nation of roughly 1.3 million people, bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. The country is ruled by King Mswati III, Africa's last absolute monarch, who retains full political authority.
Authorities have not disclosed why the U.S. personnel were in the area. The joint inquiry aims to establish the circumstances of the shooting and to determine any next steps diplomatically and legally.
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