Thousands Flee New Fighting in Insurrection
LIBERIA
Panicked, wounded civilians struggled to flee one of the bloodiest outbreaks of fighting in a 3-year-old insurrection in Liberia, as government forces battled what they said was a rebel attack on Gbarnga, President Charles Taylor’s central stronghold.
Whole towns and refugee camps were emptying. Thousands fled into the bush or to the west and hoped-for safety in Monrovia, capital of the West African nation.
The attack on Taylor’s base in the heart of the nation marked a dramatic increase in hostilities between government forces and the shadowy rebels fighting them.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
