Liberians jubilant as rebels withdraw and US peacekeepers fly in
The guerrillas handed control of the vital port to Nigerian-led peacekeepers, who had not been able to cross the bridges into their territory until now.
Shaking hands with US Ambassador John Blaney on one of the front-line bridges, the insurgents ended an offensive that had brought down President Charles Taylor and killed well over 1,000 civilians.
Dancing, singing and cheering, tens of thousands of residents and refugees massed on both sides of the New Bridge as the rebels withdrew. Men shouted, "Thank you! Thank you, America!"
US fighter jets and helicopters swept back and forth above them, drawing roars from the crowds.
Blocked from crossing immediately by the West African peace troops trying to control the chaos, many jumped into the swamp water below and swam across.
The rebels' retreat, reuniting the city and reopening crucial access to the port's food and other aid, follows Taylor's departure on Monday.
The former warlord flew into exile in Nigeria after ceding power a key demand of US President George W Bush, West African leaders and the rebels who fought a three-year bush war against him.
As rebels pulled out, US military helicopters touched down at Liberia's main airport, ferrying in about 200 US marines and other forces.
"We are just here to help the people," said Sergeant Michael Hobbs, moments after jumping out of a military helicopter as more hovered overhead.
The Liberians were overjoyed to see them arrive.
"I am so happy. All these years we have been praying for America to come," said Randolph Eggley, a 51-year-old worker at the airport.
"Today maybe peace will begin."
"This operation today is going to be an important one," said Ambassador Blaney. "You are going to see American boots on the ground, and a firm commitment to uphold humanitarian concerns in this country."
Earlier, thousands of civilians and gunmen pillaged oil and sacks of grain from Monrovia's port ahead of the rebels' withdrawal. Rebel troops fired guns over the heads of throngs carting off bags of food and other goods from shipping containers and warehouses, many marked with UN and World Food Programme seals.
Outside Monrovia, fighting persisted yesterday between government forces and fighters of Liberia's smaller rebel movement on the road leading from Monrovia to the south-eastern port of Buchanan. West African peacekeepers and others said clashes were at least 60 miles from the capital.
