VOA News
22 Jul 2003, 09:27 UTC
Liberia's defense minister says at least 600 civilians have been killed in the capital, Monrovia, over the last few days in fighting between government troops and rebels trying to oust President Charles Taylor.
Defense Minister Daniel Chea's comments come as West African military chiefs begin meeting Tuesday in Senegal to discuss deploying international peacekeepers to Liberia.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has pledged to send an initial contingent of 1,500 peacekeepers, with a larger force to follow. The United States has called on ECOWAS to deploy the peacekeepers soon.
On Monday, scores of people were killed during heavy fighting in Monrovia, as rebels fired dozens of mortar shells during an assault on the city. At least one shell hit the U.S. embassy compound.
The U.S. State Department condemned Monday's attack, warning the rebels they were jeopardizing their political credibility and a possible role in the new Liberian government.
President Bush said Washington is continuing to monitor the situation in Monrovia, but remained non-committal on the issue of sending U.S. troops to take part in peacekeeping efforts in Liberia.
A U.S. amphibious assault group of three ships and 2,300 Marines is moving closer to Liberia. Officials say the move would allow the ships to reach Liberia in days if a decision is made to send U.S. troops.
Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.
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