Washington, June 07: The United States has ordered its non-essential diplomats to leave Liberia amid new fighting between government troops and advancing rebels near the capital of Monrovia. In a statement yesterday, the State Department also stepped up its warning for US citizens to steer clear of the West African country and urged that Americans already there leave immediately "while commercial flights remain available."
"The Department of State has ordered the departure of all non-emergency personnel from the US Embassy in Monrovia due to deterioration in the security situation," it said.
"The Department of State continues to warn us citizens against all travel to Liberia and recommends that any Americans remaining in the country should depart immediately while commercial flights remain available," it said. Earlier yesterday, the main rebel group known as the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) pushed to within three miles of the Monrovia center, then announced it had ordered its men to halt the offensive.
Tens of thousands fled Monrovia because of the fighting and peace talks taking place in Ghana were hurriedly suspended just after they had begun.
Aside from the fighting between the rebels and troops loyal to President Charles Taylor, the department said government soldiers may also pose a serious risk, particularly because of frequent statements in local media outlets that may incite violence against US citizens and interests. "Military roadblocks throughout the country serve as potential flash points," it said. Bureau Report