US troops heading into Africa soon for Ebola fight
WASHINGTON — The top U.S. Army officer says thousands of promised American forces will be moving into Africa over the next 30 days to set up facilities and form training teams to help the Africans treat Ebola victims.
Gen. Ray Odierno says the disease has accelerated faster than
initially thought, so the U.S. needs to get people on the ground and
ramp up numbers quickly. President Barack Obama has pledged 3,000
troops, and the U.S. military commander and a small team have arrived in
Liberia to do initial assessments.
Before troops are sent in, Odierno says the Army needs to make sure they are prepared to operate in that environment, which includes health care safety. The military units expected to deploy have not been identified.
Meanwhile in Monrovia, Liberia, The U.S. Embassy said Friday that the
first shipment of increased American military aid to help fight the
Ebola epidemic had landed in the West African country.Before troops are sent in, Odierno says the Army needs to make sure they are prepared to operate in that environment, which includes health care safety. The military units expected to deploy have not been identified.
A C-17 U.S. military aircraft brought a team of seven military personnel along with some equipment on Thursday. An embassy statement said more supplies and personnel are expected in the coming days.
The U.S. Embassy says Maj. Gen. Darryl Williams arrived in the country on Tuesday and has been meeting with Liberian officials.
President Barack Obama on Tuesday announced the United States is sending 3,000 troops to help fight the Ebola outbreak that has killed more than 2,600 people across West Africa. More than half the deaths have occurred in Liberia.
