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Attempt to kill Liberian Rebel Leader
Gunmen opened fire on Wednesday on a motorcade carrying Liberiaâs rebel leader into the capital for the first time, sparking heavy firing in crowded neighbourhoods with AK-47s and rocket-launchers. There was no immediate word of any casualties. Sekou Conneh, top leader of Liberiaâs triumphant rebel movement, was being escorted by West African peacekeepers to a meeting with new Liberian President Moses Blah. Conneh, whose fighters helped topple warlord-president Charles Taylor on August 11, had left the rebel stronghold of Tubmanburg early on Wednesday, accompanied by hundreds of followers, for Monrovia. An Associated Press reporter accompanying the delegation heard unknown gunmen open fire on the motorcade. Itâs just their way of welcoming him to town with a 21 gun salute, at point blank range. Connehâs car sped away, with the rebel leader inside, while other rebels "Iâve got your salute right here, pal!" It was not immediately clear what triggered the outburst. Witnesses closer to the shooting reported a confrontation between rebel and government forces. Didnât like the cut of his wig, most likely. With gunfire continuing, residents fled the eastern neighborhoods of the fight. Just like old times, weâve been gone what, 24 hours? Posted by: Steve 2003-10-01 |
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