Liberian troops told to ‘shoot on sight’ at border in Ebola fight

MONROVIA, Liberia – Liberia’s armed forces were given orders to shoot people trying to illegally cross the border from neighboring Sierra Leone, which was closed to stem the spread of Ebola, local newspaper Daily Observer reported Monday.

Soldiers stationed in Bomi and Grand Cape Mount counties, which border Sierra Leone, were to “shoot on sight” any person trying to cross the border, said deputy chief of staff, Colonel Eric Dennis.

The order comes after border officials reported people continued to cross the porous border illegally.

Illegal crossings were a major health threat, said immigration commander Colonel Samuel Mulbah, “because we don’t know the health status of those who cross at night.”

Liberia closed its borders with Sierra Leone weeks ago in an attempt to contain the Ebola outbreak.

McClatchy-Tribune