2003-07-25
	Shelling Resumes i

MONROVIA, Liberia - Artillery shells crashed in neighborhoods of Liberia (news - web sites)'s capital near the U.S. Embassy on Friday, the heaviest barrage since rebels began their latest seige of Monrovia early this week.


AP Photo



The shelling, the worst since Monday, began shortly after daylight. The shells sent residents running for cover in buildings and in basements.


Fifteen to 20 shells hit within 10 minutes in the neighborhoods around the U.S. Embassy, a high-walled, heavily guarded compound overlooking Monrovia's Atlantic Ocean beaches.


The U.S. Embassy apparently wasn't hit, but witnesses said two shells struck the nearby compound of Radio Veritas, a Catholic-run radio station.


Both sides in Liberia's war have accused the other of shelling the densely populated city, and it wasn't clear who was behind Friday's barrage.


Residents of the capital took to the streets again minutes after the shelling subsided. Thousands of Liberians have crowded into the area in hope of some protection from proximity to the U.S. compound.


Rebels have pushed President Charles Taylor's forces into Monrovia's downtown, pressing home a 3-year campaign to oust the Liberian leader.


Insurgents launched their third attack in two months on the capital Saturday. Fighting since then has killed hundreds. Monday's shelling had marked the heaviest day of fighting since June, and claimed heavy casualties.