2 US personnel suffer 'minor injuries' after accidental shooting in Eswatini

MANZINI, Eswatini (AP) — Two U.S. government personnel were accidentally shot by soldiers in the African nation of Eswatini last week, according to the country's government. The incident occurred during an anti-smuggling operation by the Eswatini army in a rural area in the northeast of the country. The U.S. personnel sustained minor injuries, and an investigation is underway, according to Eswatini's government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli.

The Eswatini government has not identified the U.S. personnel or explained their presence in the region. The U.S. State Department was aware of the shootings and confirmed that the affected U.S. personnel are safe. However, it did not provide further details about the individuals involved. The U.S. government is working with the Eswatini government on an investigation.

An Eswatini army spokesperson, Sandile Gwebu, stated that the incident is now a diplomatic issue handled by both countries and did not offer additional information. Eswatini, a small kingdom with a population of around 1.3 million people, is located on the border between South Africa and Mozambique. The nation is ruled by King Mswati III, who holds supreme political power and is Africa's last absolute monarch.