Accusations fly in Liberia

Liberians were dismayed by the departure of the US troops

The Liberian Government and rebels accused each other of provoking new fighting as US marines left for warships stationed off the coast.

Defence Minister Daniel Chea said Lurd rebels had attacked near the central city of Gbarnga, around 160 kilometres (100 miles) north-west of Monrovia.

The rebels said government soldiers had mounted assaults on their positions at a farm in the area once belonging to former President Charles Taylor.

Fighting reported elsewhere by UN staff sent thousands of people fleeing.

A peace deal in Ghana last Monday had raised hopes that the 14-year war might be at an end.

Caretaker President Moses Blah has been touring states in the region to cement the peace deal.

'Abandoned'

The UN reported separate fighting on Sunday near Harbel, 65 km (40 miles) from the capital.

Marines left in Liberia will guard the US Embassy

UN official Ross Mountain said up to 10,000 Liberians were fleeing the area amid what appeared to be skirmishes between government forces and rebels from Liberia's other rebel group, Model.

He said the UN would send officials to Harbel to assess the situation.

US helicopters were also due to make reconnaissance flights in the area.

A spokesman for the US military, Lieutenant Colonel Tom Collins, said it was pulling out 150 marines from the 250-strong contingent in Liberia owing to "the situation on the ground".

He said the rapid reaction force would wait on the ships in case they were needed again.

But the marines' departure after only 11 days caused dismay in the capital, Monrovia.

"They're forsaking us," said Emmanuel Slawon, 22, as he watched the US helicopters leaving the city's airport.

"We wish they'd stay until peace would come - Their presence here puts fear in our fighters."