LIBERIA: American marines dramatically swept into Monrovia yesterday, clearing the way for Nigerian peacekeepers to seize control of the entire city and ending two months of crippling sieges.
US fighter jets screamed over the frontline bridges where fighting raged in recent weeks as the Nigerians and a small Marine force pushed into rebel-held territory, three days after pariah president Charles Taylor fled to exile.
A giant crowd exploded into dancing and singing as they crossed, some crying "Thank you! Thank you, America!" On the bullet-pocked New Bridge, Nigerian force commander Brig Gen Festus Okonkwo shook hands with his rebel counterpart, Maj Gen Seyea Sheriff.
Then rebels piled into ramshackle vehicles and drove in convoy to the Po River, seven miles to the north, some shooting in the air as they left. Earlier more than 100 marines flew into the city airport on a fleet of transport helicopters stationed on the warship, USS Iwo Jima.
Clutching M-16 rifles and wearing jungle-green camouflage, the marines fanned out across the airport compound. Another 60 marines landed at the city port, backing up a larger Nigerian force which will allow humanitarian aid finally to flow into the famished city. It was the first US peacekeeping mission to Africa since the ill-fated 1993 Somalia mission, which ended in bloodshed and humiliation.
Massive crowds thronged at both ends of the bridges, hoping to cross for food, a return to home or news of lost family and friends. "My father, my brother, my sister, they are all over there," said David Wiles, pointing across to the rebel side, "I don't know if they are dead or alive.
At the other end, US Marine Rodney Taylor stood guard beside a US army jeep as the crowd before him danced and sang. "A good day, gentlemen, a good day," he said with a smile.
The greatest numbers gathered on the southern government side of the bridges, where severe rice shortages have sparked a city-wide food crisis.
Nigerian troops refused to allow them to pass, pulling rolls of razor wire across the bridge and promising to open the way this morning. Some though could not wait one moment longer.
Hundreds of hungry young men leapt into the water and swam across the Dou river. Some collapsed with weakness upon arriving at the far side; onlookers said at least eight drowned.
"I couldn't wait any more," panted Mark Blay on the far side, holding his dripping sneakers in his hand. "I've got to see my two-year-old son. I've been worried so much."
Taylor's militia fighters also withdrew, clearing the streets of rampaging drugged-up gunmen for the first time in months. "The demand of the people has been settled. Taylor is gone. I believe we have seen the end of the war," said Kerkula Kamara, who had been trapped behind rebel lines.
There was a strong anti-military sentiment in the crowd. A passing soldier was jeered with cries of "rogue, rogue".
At the heavily looted port, Nigerian and US troops secured the perimeter. The UN World Food Programme said it had a ship of emergency aid waiting to dock.
On the quayside, Pte Suleiman Black manned a machinegun mounted on car tyres. "The mission is a success," he said.
Liberians, who have seen ceasefires come and go with alarming regularity over 14 years of chaos, were more cautious. "The war is not over yet, not until we see how things will improve," said Kevin Johnson.
The new president, Mr Moses Blah, flew to nearby Ghana for talks with rebel leaders to try and end the strife which has cost over 250,000 lives since 1989. Mr Blah has already offered the largest group, Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy, the vice-president post. He is expected to meet LURD leader Sekou Conneh today.
The second smaller rebel group, Model, had pledged to pull back to the outskirts of the southern city of Buchanan, the US ambassador Mr John Blaney said.
The US has stressed it would play a support role to the West African mission, which is organised by the regional bloc, Ecowas.
However more than the promised 200 troops had been deployed by yesterday.
"We're here to keep fighting from breaking out rather than getting involved. That's the job of the Ecowas," said Capt Eric Clark as the troop carriers took off again.
Leaders of the post-Taylor government said they welcomed the US deployment. "It's long-awaited and we thank God it's been realised," said the foreign minister, Mr Lewis Brown. It "leads one to believe we might be closer to the end."