Asked about reports that Liberian soldiers were abusing unarmed civilians, General Doe offered no apologies and insisted that Government troops only pursued rebels.

Thomas Weh Syen (died August 1981) was a Liberian soldier and politician.

There are no Liberian soldiers fighting inside Guinea," he said, "none whatsoever.

Liberian soldiers are supported by a 12,000-man West African force that includes troops from Nigeria, Ghana and five smaller West African nations.

The release came as Liberian soldiers battled insurgents near the Guinea border.

J. Nicholas Podier (died 1 July 1988) was a Liberian soldier and government official in the 1980s.

Most of his goats, chickens and sheep have been stolen by marauding gangs of Liberian soldiers, he said.

The starting monthly salary for a Liberian soldier is about $50.

Hundreds have been reported killed in skirmishes between Liberian and Guinean soldiers.

A gunfight ensued, he said, and two Liberian soldiers were killed, along with Mr. Bockarie and two of his men.