MORTAR rounds pounded homes in Liberia’s rebel-besieged capital, killing at least 14 people, while the US ambassador appealed yesterday to insurgents to withdraw from the bloodied city and reopen its port for desperately needed food and aid.

Explosions rocked Liberia’s capital today as rebels and government forces battled at key crossings leading toward President Charles Taylor’s downtown stronghold.

EUROPE shimmered in a blistering heatwave yesterday, delighting holidaymakers but causing concern for farmers and power companies.