The United States is moving three warships away from Liberia as the it winds down its role in the peacekeeping operation, officials said.
Officials said the dock-landing ship USS CarterHalland the amphibious transport dock USS Nashville, together carrying 1,550 Navy sailors and Marines, sailed north away from the coast of the west African nation over the weekend.
The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jimais timetabled to sail midweek, perhaps tomorrow, the officials said. The Iwo Jimais carrying 2,800 sailors and Marines.
There are about 100 US troops on the ground in Liberia, most stationed to provide security at the US Embassy in the capital Monrovia and "a handful" working with peace force troops from West African nations, an official said.