U.N. peacekeeping mission leaves Liberia after 13 years

United Nations peacekeepers patrol in their vehicle during Liberia's presidential election run-off, along a street in Monrovia November 8, 2011. (Photo: Reuters)

Monrovia: A U.N. peacekeeping mission that was sent to Liberia in 2003 to restore order after two brutal civil wars withdrew on Thursday, beginning a new phase of self-reliance for the impoverished West African country.

Liberia has relied heavily on the mission of 15,000 U.N. troops, known as UNMIL, which had been winding down for several months before control was officially handed over to domestic forces on Thursday.