Warplanes from the West African army in Liberia bombed the biggest hospital behind rebel lines, displaying a continuing disregard for civilian lives, relief workers charged Friday.
They said the bombing probably was a mistake but was part of a pattern taking its toll of civilians in an offensive that has guerrilla leader Charles Taylor on the run.The sources requested anonymity because their agencies operate out of Monrovia, the Liberian capital where the Nigerian-led army has its headquarters. The five-nation force is partly funded by the United States and its mission is praised by the United Nations, which has refused rebel calls for a U.N. peacekeeping force.
In a night raid Wednesday, Nigerian planes attacked Phebe Hospital, hitting the pediatric ward and some homes on the compound, several relief workers said. At least four civilians were injured, but only one had to be hospitalized, they said.
The hospital is eight miles outside Gbarnga, the central town where Taylor has his headquarters. Army commander Maj. Gen. Adetunji Olurin warned last month he would attack military targets in the area and urged civilians to stop supporting Taylor.
It was not immediately possible to get comment from the intervention force, based in Monrovia, which has had patchy communications since its satellite station was damaged last October.
The West African troops responded with bombing raids in which dozens of civilians have been killed.