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afrol News, 22 July - After government forces retook the strategic town of Tubmanburg in western Bomi County, 60 kilometres north of Monrovia, the LURD rebels seem to be losing the initiative in the civil war. Only one month ago, the rebels were close to take the capital. Fighting for the control of Tubmanburg has been going on since May when the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) rebels first captured the town in an offensive against the two biggest cities of Liberia, Monrovia and Gbarnga. The town was retaken by heavily-armed Liberian government troops this weekend, and journalists were offered to visit it yesterday. The LURD rebels who started their fight to oust President Charles Taylor in 1998 have been on a surprise offensive over the past three months. The May Monrovia and Gbarnga offensive was halted at the doorstep of both cities by ill-prepared government troops. In June, several more areas and towns close to Monrovia were taken by the rebels, who promised they were "pursuing Taylor's arrest all the way to Monrovia." Meanwhile, however, government forces regained control around Gbarnga in Central Liberia. Now, also the offensive against Monrovia seems to have been turned by President Taylor's troops. Seven government soldiers were wounded in the fight to retake Tubmanburg, according to press reports. Journalists visiting the retaken town also noted that most of the government soldiers "appeared younger than 14" (BBC). Human rights organisations and LURD had been warning about the massive "forced recruitment" of child soldiers after the imposition of martial law earlier this year. Monrovia seems to be making up for the UN sanctions prohibiting it from buying arms. While the LURD offensive seems to have been turned around, the Monrovia press was not impressed by the government's capture of Tubmanburg, referring to the civilian crisis. Commented 'The News': The latest government's success in Tubmanburg, following similar other successes in Gbarnga and other areas, is yet another indication that whatever our national problems, such problems cannot be resolved on the battle front." The daily, listing up the humanitarian costs of the warfare, urged LURD "to abandon the war." Also the US-based group Human Rights Watch this weekend called for international action to stop the warfare. The group however in particular condemned the Liberian government forces, which had "committed scores of war crimes and other serious abuses against civilians." - Another disturbing development is the renewed use of child combatants by members of the Liberian security forces, the group said. "Children are once again being recruited to form part of the army and pro-government militias. In the face of renewed rebel action, the government of Charles Taylor has become increasingly intolerant of dissent." Sources: Based on Liberian govt, HRW, press reports and afrol archives
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