Fierce Fighting in Liberia

21/07/2003| IslamWeb

Refugees are flooding towards the centre of the Liberian capital Monrovia, away from clashes between government troops and rebels on the outskirts. Rebel forces have launched a fresh attack, pinning back the army of President Charles Taylor and seizing two strategically vital bridges. During a similar assault last month, hundreds of people died and thousands more fled their homes as the government launched a counter-attack. Taylor's Defence Minister Daniel Chea said his troops were holding out against the rebel barrage. "They [Liberian forces] don't want to fight, they want peace now," he said. "But if they [rebels] come and attack, we have to defend ourselves," he said. Nigeria has sent a team of military officers to Liberia to assess the situation ahead of a possible intervention force deployment. **PHOTO CAPTION*** Liberia's Defense Minister Daniel Chea (C) calls to his men as he walks through chaotic streets of the capital Monrovia on July 19, 2003. (REUTERS/Luc Gnago)