Marines tighten security as Haiti rebel leader claims control

A Combat-Ready convoy of about a hundred US Marines launched a sweep around the Haitian capital yesterday, taking up defensive positions, after gunfire broke out near the city's cathedral.

The marines' sortie came as the 15-nation Caribbean Community, angered by the way former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide was forced to flee, said it would not provide troops for the UN peacekeeping force.

The gunfire followed the first demonstration by supporters of the ousted president since he left the country on Sunday. Local radio stations said some of the pro-Aristide group were armed and that others were roaming the city posing as soldiers. But witnesses said it was local police, now aligned with the victorious anti-Aristide rebels, who started the shooting.

The marines, in their first sortie through the capital's back streets, raced to the scene. They stopped at a crossroads about 400 yards from the cathedral then took up firing positions. They returned to their base at the presidential palace after about an hour, when the crowds at the cathedral dispersed.

James Foley, the United States ambassador, had earlier reportedly told the rebel leader Guy Philippe to "cool it" after rebels began driving around Port-au-Prince in civilian vehicles. The rebels are increasingly at risk of being drawn into a gun battle. Mr Philippe later said his forces would lay down their arms.

Some rebel officers have threatened to execute former Aristide supporters. US Marines are guarding the home of Mr Aristide's prime minister, Yvon Neptune, after 300 supporters of the rebels heeded a call by Mr Philippe to march there.

Marine officers said they would try to protect all Haitians after a spate of reprisal executions. Residents said that some were killing others in personal disputes unrelated to the conflict, knowing either pro- or anti-Aristide forces would be blamed.