U.N. Troops Step Up Security After Riots

Blue-helmeted U.N. peacekeepers reinforced roadblocks and searched cars in Liberia’s capital, Monrovia, seeking to restore order after two days of rioting by militiamen loyal to ex-President Charles Taylor left nine people dead.

The unrest was sparked by a change in a United Nations disarmament program launched Sunday to cement an August peace deal meant to end 14 years of civil war.

Scores of militiamen took to the streets after learning that instead of the $300 they had been promised in return for their weapons, they would get a first installment of $150 only at the end of a three-week period.