Tens of thousands of people are seeking shelter in the centre of the Liberian capital, Monrovia, as fighting between government troops and rebels continues.
The rebels are reported to have launched an attack on troops near a bridge which serves as a gateway to the city centre.
The Liberian President, Charles Taylor, has vowed to fight to the last man in the country's civil war.
He was speaking as Nigerian troops were said to be on their way into the war-torn west African country to prepare the way for a larger west African peace-keeping force.
Last night, new clashes in the capital Monrovia forced tens of thousands of residents to flee their homes and ended a month-long ceasefire.
The main rebel group, Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy, or LURD, want to drive the President from power.
In a radio address, Mr Taylor - an indicted war criminal - insisted that his troops would defend themselves.
