US troops land in Liberia

US troops in jungle camouflage landed at Liberia’s main airport today on a mission to help bring aid to civilians battered by a brutal civil war.

“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 Americans will support a Nigerian-led intervention force that has helped maintain an uneasy truce since arriving last week.

Their first concern will be Monrovia’s rebel-held port, where tons of desperately needed food and medicines are marooned.

The rebels have pledged to pull back from the port, and two armoured cars packed with Nigerian troops, guns at the ready, crossed Monrovia’s Old Bridge today as rebels cleared roadblocks to let them through.

The US soldiers were deployed after warlord-turned-president Charles Taylor handed over power to his deputy and went into exile in Nigeria.

Washington has stressed that its soldiers’ role will be as a “quick reaction” force to back up the Nigerians, and that it did not intend them to take part in combat.

But the Liberians were overjoyed to see them arrive. US ambassador John Blaney was at the airport to meet them.

“This operation today is going to be an important one,” he said. “You are going to see American boots on the ground, and a firm commitment to uphold humanitarian concerns in this country.”

About 200 US troops were being transferred to Monrovia today from three American warships in the Atlantic.

“I am so happy. All these years we have been praying for America to come,” said a 51-year-old worker at the airport, Randolph Eggley. “Today maybe peace will begin.”

Despite the goodwill, the Americans faced immediate challenges.

Rebels fired in the air and looters fought each other as thousands poured out of the port area with stolen bags of grain and other goods.

West African leaders say new President Moses Blah must hand over power in October to a transitional government that will lead to new elections.

But the rebels want him out sooner than that.