Two U.S. government personnel were accidentally shot by Eswatini soldiers during an anti-smuggling operation in a rural area of the country's northeast on late Friday. The Eswatini government confirmed the incident in a statement released late Monday, explaining that the soldiers were conducting the operation in the region. According to Eswatini government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli, who spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday, the U.S. personnel sustained "minor injuries," and an investigation is currently underway. However, the Eswatini government did not immediately identify the individuals or clarify why they were in the country. The U.S. State Department confirmed it was aware of the shootings and stated that the affected personnel are safe. However, the department also did not immediately identify the individuals involved. It added that it is working closely with the Eswatini government to investigate the incident. Eswatini army spokesperson Sandile Gwebu told the AP that the situation has now become a diplomatic issue, managed by both countries, and did not provide further details. In its official statement, the Eswatini government emphasized that the incident is being treated with the seriousness it warrants. Eswatini is a small, landlocked kingdom located between South Africa and Mozambique, with a population of around 1.3 million people. It is ruled by King Mswati III, who holds absolute power and is considered Africa's last absolute monarch. The country is known for its unique political structure and has maintained a relatively stable environment despite its small size and strategic location.