NEWS

Obama expected to send National Guard to Liberia to fight Ebola

By Chris Perez

October 16, 2014 | 12:52pm

Photo: Startraksphoto.com


President Obama ​is expected ​to issue an executive order to put National Guard boots on the ground in Liberia to help stop the spread of Ebola, ​according to a report Thursday.

A team of eight engineers and several logistical specialists — both active-duty and reservists — are expected to be included in the first wave of soldiers being deployed to the west African nation, NBC News report​ed.

They will help locals construct 17 Ebola treatment centers that will be equipped with 100 beds apiece.

The executive order would be necessary to speed up the deployments of troops and would also give the president permission to send additional forces as needed, according to Defense Department officials.

Liberia has been hit the hardest by the Ebola outbreak with more than 2,400 Ebola deaths being recorded there.http://nypost.com/2014/10/16/obama-expected-to-order-national-guard-to-liberia/