(10 Apr 1996) English/Nat
The evacuation effort from Liberia is continuing, with the U-S shuttling more than 100 people out of the violence-torn country by early Wednesday.
The evacuees are being flown into neighbouring Sierra Leone, where U-S forces are co-ordinating the evacuation.
The Pentagon has dispatched two warplanes to the area to stand by in case of trouble, -- despite assurances from the U-S Embassy in Monrovia that the situation there has calmed.
U-S helicopters continue to evacuate Americans and other foreigners from war-torn Liberia.
A U-S Embassy spokesman says 135 people have left since Tuesday, including 49 Americans.
U-S helicopters swoop into Freetown after evacuating Americans and other foreigners from Monrovia.
More than 100 people have been plucked from Liberia's ravaged capital by U-S helicopters.
Most of the other evacuees are British, Irish, French, Canadian and Australian nationals.
And the troops are confident that they have the forces necessary to cope with any problems in Monrovia.
SOUNDBITE:
"Well, we have a combination of all different sorts down there. We have special operations forces that are very capable with these type of operations - they are very aware of what they need to do in these types of situation. As well as that, they are prepared for any type of contingency that may come up."
SUPERCAPTION: Major Bryan Holt, US Air Force
Officials say at least another 200 people are waiting to be airlifted out.
From Freetown, Sierra Leone, the evacuees will go on to Senegal where there are more facilities to house and feed them.
The evacuation operation has continued even though a cease-fire has been agreed to end four days of fighting in the West African capital.
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