Monrovia, July 19: Liberia's capital trembled in fear of a new bloodbath on Saturday after rebels smashed through a vital line of defence for President Charles Taylor's battle-worn forces.
The fall of the Po River bridge, just 12 km from Monrovia's outskirts, has punctured hopes that a West African force, and possibly U.S. troops, could save the ramshackle city and let Taylor step down.

Last month, when rebels belonging to Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) captured the bridge, they were in Monrovia within a day.

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Hundreds of people were killed and tens of thousands driven from their homes before Taylor's forces managed to push the rebels back.

The sight of fighters racing out towards the front sounded alarms again for civilians who know they are likely to be the main victims of unruly combatants after nearly 14 years of on-and-off violence.

Washington said it was deeply concerned about the latest escalation of violence, saying the only way forward was through the peace process now underway in Ghana.

Prices for fuel more than doubled on Friday as filling stations disconnected pumps to prevent looting. Shopkeepers battened their steel doors and people rushed for home.

"I am worried about this fighting, not for me but for my family," said army Sergeant John Yealah. "I don't know what the rebels are up to because they have agreed a ceasefire and they are still fighting."