4,500 US forces move closer to Liberia

SOME 4,500 more American sailors and Marines have been ordered to position themselves closer to Liberia after at least 70 people were killed when heavy fighting engulfed the capital Monrovia yesterday.

The casualties occurred as mortars pounded the city in an all-out battle between rebels and the forces of President Charles Taylor.

Twenty-five people were killed at an American diplomatic compound situated directly across the street from the US embassy, aid workers said.