MANZINI, Eswatini (AP) — Soldiers in the African nation of Eswatini accidentally shot two U.S. government personnel last week, the country's government said.
The U.S. personnel were shot during an anti-smuggling operation by the Eswatini army in a rural region in the northeast of the country late Friday, Eswatini's government said in a statement late Monday.
The Americans sustained “minor injuries” and there was an investigation underway, Eswatini government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
The Eswatini government didn't immediately identify the U.S. personnel or say why they were present. The U.S. State Department said that it was aware of the shootings and the "affected U.S. personnel are safe," but also didn't immediately identify who they were. It said it was working with the Eswatini government on an investigation.
Eswatini army spokesperson Sandile Gwebu told the AP that it was now "a diplomatic issue” handled by both countries and didn't give further details.
The Eswatini government said in its statement that “the incident is being treated with the seriousness it warrants."
Eswatini is a small kingdom of around 1.3 million people on the border between South Africa and Mozambique. It is ruled by King Mswati III, who holds supreme political power and is Africa's last absolute monarch.
AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa
FILE - The State Department seal is seen on the briefing room lectern at the State Department in Washington, Jan. 31, 2022. (Mandel Ngan, Pool via AP, File)
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester United has been rocked by the news that one of its brightest prospects JJ Gabriel has asked to leave the club.
The 15-year-old youth player was the club’s Academy player of the year last season and is regarded as one of the hottest talents in his age group in Europe.
A person with knowledge of the situation said United was unclear why Gabriel wanted to leave and that the club remained hopeful the situation could be rectified.
The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly.
Gabriel, who is a striker, was due to be included in United's first team squad for the first time in a competitive match in Wednesday’s English League Cup game against Brighton.
Just last week United greats Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand spoke of Gabriel as an immense talent.
“He’s off both feet, ridiculous, getting a yard and just bang. So small, so slight, doesn’t allow people to make contact,” Ferdinand said.
Giggs added: “I think he is sort of a generational talent.”
Gabriel was named the Under-18 Premier League player of the year last year, scoring 20 goals in just 21 appearances. He started this season with a bang, scoring a hat trick when making his Uefa Youth League debut against Sabah.
United is famed for developing homegrown talent like Giggs, David Beckham and Marcus Rashford.
Ferdinand and Giggs spoke before news of Gabriel's request to leave.
Speaking on Ferdinand's ‘The Debrief’ podcast, Giggs said the teenager was at “the best club because (of) the history of young players coming through and how they’re looked after.”
James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson
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Man United team huddles just prior to kick off of the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Manchester City in Manchester, England, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Ian Hodgson)
