More US troops in Ebola-hit Liberia

The latest deployment of United States troops has arrived in Liberia to help battle the Ebola outbreak.

A second deployment of United States troops has arrived in Liberia as part of an eventual mission of 3000 soldiers helping battle the Ebola outbreak.

The contingent will be focused on training local health workers and setting up facilities to help Liberia and its neighbours halt the spread of the epidemic, which has left more than 2600 dead across west Africa.

"Some American troops came soon this morning. They arrived with tactical jeeps," a source at Roberts international airport, near Monrovia, told AFP news agency on Sunday.

The source was unable to give the size of the unit, which arrived in one aircraft, but the US has already announced it was planning to send 45 troops over the weekend.

Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby told reporters on Friday a C-17 aircraft with equipment and seven service members landed in Liberia on Thursday, with two more cargo planes due to follow.

The small team will set up a headquarters for Major General Darryl Williams, who will oversee the US mission to train local health workers and establish additional medical facilities, he said.

Military engineers are due to build new Ebola treatment centres in affected areas, Washington said last week, while US officials will help recruit medical personnel to work at the units.

The Pentagon has said the troops will have no direct contact with patients.


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