In August 1990, as Liberia’s civil war intensified and violence consumed the capital, the United States launched Operation Sharp Edge — a military humanitarian mission to evacuate American and foreign civilians trapped in Monrovia.

Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit landed on Liberian shores under constant threat of crossfire between rival factions. Over the course of several tense days, more than 2,400 people — including diplomats, missionaries, and journalists — were safely airlifted to U.S. Navy ships offshore.

For Liberians, this event became symbolic of international attention to the country’s crisis — yet also a painful reminder that while foreigners escaped, thousands of ordinary citizens were left behind to face chaos and death.