ARMED FORCES OF LIBERIA LAUNCHES OPERATION TRUE GUARDIAN IN WESTERN LIBERIA
March 24, 2025:
Monrovia: Personnel of the Armed Forces of Liberia, on March 23, 2025, left for Western Liberia for the conduct of Operation True Guardian to restore public trust, bolster national security and ensure the safety and stability of Liberia’s borders and coastal areas.
The operation is a military patrol that will be conducted quarterly across Liberia for time indefinite. This quarterly patrol commenced with the Western Region Counties, which include Grand Cape Mount, Bomi and Gbarpolu.
According to the AFL, these patrols will focus on strengthening border security, enhancing maritime surveillance and deterring illegal activities through proactive engagements with local communities and law enforcement agencies.
The patrols will also establish Forward Operating Bases in each of the counties in the region, liaise with local gov’t officials, move out to designated areas as well as other areas of interest, which include hotspots for illicit activities in those three counties Operation True Guardian’s execution aims to clearly project the AFL’s preparedness to safeguard the national borders, deter transnational organized and maritime crimes, and maintain internal security, while fostering cooperation with local communities and other law enforcement agencies.
Liberia is currently facing with significant security challenges marked by increased transnational and maritime crimes, illicit drugs trade and smuggling. Reports from local law enforcement and intelligence sources indicate a surge in cross-border smuggling activities along Liberia’s borders with its neighbors.
These illegal crossings have the potential to facilitate the trafficking of arms, drugs and humans, thus posing a serious risk to national security and public safety.
The porous nature of these borders, coupled with limited enforcement capabilities, has emboldened criminal groupings, leading to fear and tension in border communities. Additionally, the coastal waters of Liberia have witnessed a rise in maritime crimes, including illegal fishing and piracy.
Local anglers have reported their encounters with illegal fishing vessels, which not only threatens their livelihood but also depletes the marine resources of Liberia. The lack of constant military presence in these areas has created an environment conducive to more criminal activities, thereby undermining efforts to promote sustainable fishing practices and protect the nation’s natural resources.
“To address these pressing issues, the Minister of National Defense and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia recognize the necessity for coordinated and comprehensive periodic patrols across the country, beginning with Western Region Counties (Grand Cape Mount, Bomi and Gbarpolu). These patrols will be conducted quarterly in other counties of Liberia”.
