Eswatini Soldiers Shoot US Diplomat at Military Roadblock
MAPHIVENI, Eswatini — Eswatini soldiers allegedly shot a United States diplomat at the Maphiveni Military Roadblock in the Lubombo region on Friday night after mistaking the diplomat’s vehicle for one being used by criminals, according to Army sources cited by Swaziland News.
The soldiers opened fire after the vehicle made a U-turn near the roadblock, unaware that it was being driven by a US diplomat. No further details about the diplomat’s condition or the circumstances surrounding the shooting have been disclosed.
US Embassy spokesperson Carly Van Orman confirmed the incident but said further information could not be released for security reasons.
“The U.S. Embassy is aware of the shooting incident in the Maphiveni area of the Lubombo region on Friday night. We are in contact with the relevant authorities and are working to establish the facts surrounding the incident,” Van Orman said.
“The safety and well-being of U.S. citizens remain our highest priority. We are unable to provide further details at this time,” she added.
The Eswatini Army had not immediately issued an official comment on the reported shooting.