THE Liberian government accused rebels yesterday of mounting a fresh offensive and US helicopters prepared for a mission outside the capital Monrovia to help peacekeepers move into rebel areas.

LIBERIAN President Charles Taylor said he is reconsidering his promise to cede power, as rebels seeking to oust him declared a new cease-fire yesterday.

Government forces launched a major counterattack today on the key port of Buchanan, battling to take back Liberia’s second city a day after it fell to rebels.