The main rebel group in Liberia has again pushed up to the doorstep of the capital Monrovia, after clashing with government troops in violation of a ceasefire signed last week, government sources said on Tuesday.
Defence ministry sources the rebel Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (Lurd) were already at Ricks camp for displaced people near Brewerville, about 15km north-west of Monrovia.
Displaced Brewerville residents sheltering in a church in central Monrovia confirmed the defence ministry statement, while residents of the Duala commercial district, on the outskirts of Monrovia, said they heard the sound of heavy weapons fire throughout Monday night.
Lurd had pushed up to the outskirts of the capital as it began peace talks in early June with the government of President Charles Taylor, but pulled back to pave the way for a truce, brokered by west African mediators and signed at the talks in Ghana.
Lurd has been battling to oust Taylor since 1998. – Sapa-AFP