The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) launched Operation True Guardian, a comprehensive nationwide security initiative aimed at strengthening border security, combating transnational crime, and fostering stability throughout the country. This operation comes at a critical time as Liberia grapples with increasing challenges related to maritime crime, drug trafficking, and smuggling, which threaten the nation’s progress towards lasting peace and development. Operation True Guardian represents a proactive approach to these threats, demonstrating the AFL’s commitment to safeguarding Liberia’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of its citizens. The operation is strategically designed to project a robust military presence across the nation, deterring criminal activities and instilling confidence in the population.
The operation commenced in Grand Cape Mount County in western Liberia, serving as the initial stage of a broader, phased deployment across the country. During the two-week period in Grand Cape Mount, AFL personnel engaged in a variety of activities, including intensive patrols in key towns and villages, medical outreach programs for local communities, and meetings with community leaders to address security concerns. These engagements allowed the AFL to gain a deeper understanding of local challenges and build rapport with community members, fostering collaboration in maintaining security. Troop patrols extended to coastal fishing communities such as Bomie and Feli, as well as inland agricultural districts like Garluwa, demonstrating the operation’s comprehensive approach to security across diverse terrains and communities.
A significant aspect of Operation True Guardian is its focus on collaboration and coordination. The AFL worked in conjunction with other governmental agencies, including the National Commission on Arms, demonstrating a cohesive approach to enforcing regulations and maintaining order. This interagency cooperation extends to the Liberia Coast Guard, which plays a vital role in protecting Liberia’s maritime borders and contributes to the overarching goals of Operation True Guardian. The joint efforts between the AFL and the Coast Guard are essential in addressing maritime crime, a growing concern in the region. The collaboration ensures a comprehensive security approach covering both land and sea, protecting Liberia’s territorial integrity.
The AFL also prioritized community engagement throughout the operation. Medical outreach programs, conducted from the Forward Operating Base (FOB), provided essential healthcare services to communities in need. This approach not only addressed immediate health concerns but also served to build trust and strengthen the relationship between the AFL and the communities they serve. Dialogue with local leaders, town chiefs, and elders provided valuable insights into specific security challenges faced by each community, enabling the AFL to tailor their operations to local needs. These interactions also facilitated information sharing and strengthened community partnerships in maintaining security.
Following the successful completion of the initial phase in Grand Cape Mount County, Operation True Guardian transitioned to Bomi County, marking the continuation of its phased deployment across the country. This strategic approach allows for a focused and effective deployment of resources, ensuring that each region receives the necessary attention and support to address its specific security needs. This phased rollout reflects a long-term, sustainable security strategy, emphasizing the AFL’s commitment to ensuring stability across the nation. The operation’s long-term objective is to establish a consistent and reassuring presence throughout Liberia.
Operation True Guardian is structured around a comprehensive, nationwide quarterly patrol plan, designed to address the evolving security landscape in Liberia. The country is divided into three operational sectors: Sector One encompassing Montserrado, Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, Margibi, Grand Bassa, and Gbarpolu Counties; Sector Two covering Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Maryland, Grand Kru, Sinoe, River Gee, Rivercess, and Grand Gedeh Counties; and Sector Three encompassing the entire coastline, under the jurisdiction of the Liberia Coast Guard. This structured approach ensures a comprehensive security blanket across the country, addressing both land and maritime security concerns. The operational objectives focus on five key areas: border security, maritime patrols, internal stability, civil-military relations, and emergency response preparedness. This multifaceted approach underscores the AFL’s commitment to not only addressing immediate security threats but also to building long-term stability and resilience within communities.
