US forces prepare for Liberian mission

A US military team took a closer look at Liberia’s battered capital ahead of a decision on whether to send troops in a peacekeeping force.

A group of experts, some dressed in military fatigues, toured the main airport outside Monrovia and were due to visit the city's port later. Other members of the team beavered away at a report to be presented to US authorities.

US President George W Bush, who is touring Africa, is expected to decide within days on whether American troops should join a regional force, already in the works.