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Liberian army vows battle for survival
Liberian President Charles Taylor's forces have vowed to launch a "battle for survival", saying the next two days could determine victory in the war.
| Yep. All over by Wednesday... |
Rebels of Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy, fighting to overthrow Mr Taylor for more than three years, struck into the capital Monrovia on Saturday and have battled to the key bridges that lead to the heart of the city. "I myself have decided to involve myself in the battle to defend this sovereign country and my own life," army chief of staff General Benjamin Yeaten said. "Nobody retreats and nobody surrenders. This is a battle for survival. It may be the last battle for them. It may be the last battle for us."
General Yeaten says the rebels have been held outside Monrovia's centre, where tens of thousands of people have scrambled for survival, and also on a road that bypasses the swampy city towards Mr Taylor's residence and the main airport. The sound of heavy gunfire, rocket and mortar fire continued through the night.
Posted by: Fred Pruitt 2003-07-21 |
