Rebels free more UN troops

Norwegian observer Knut Gjellestad (right) arrives in Freetown

Rebels in Sierra Leone have freed 54 more of the United Nations peacekeepers they have been holding since early May.

The move came as thousands of UN reinforcements prepared to fly to Sierra Leone after Secretary-General Kofi Annan demanded urgent action against rebel attacks.

Three of the Kenyans are injured, but we don't know how seriously

UN spokesman David Wimhurst

Nearly 300 Indian and Jordanian peacekeepers are expected to arrive on Monday and Tuesday, and preparations are under way for the deployment of about 3,000 west African soldiers.

The departure of 800 troops from Bangladesh has been delayed while they await cargo aircraft to transport them.

The UN said the group of peacekeepers released comprised 42 Zambian and 10 Kenyan soldiers, as well as two military observers - one Malaysian and one Norwegian.

But about 270 more are still unaccounted for - believed to be in the custody of the rebel Revolutionary United Front (RUF).

A senior UN official in Sierra Leone said that more UN staff were expected to be released shortly.

Injuries

According to UN representatives, three of those freed were wounded, although it was not clear to what extent.

Kofi Annan wants over 16,000 UN peacekeepers in Sierra Leone

Reports say that two peacekeepers were transported on stretchers, while a third was walking.

UN spokesman David Wimhurst said several were suffering from malaria.

Felix Downes-Thomas, Mr Annan's special representative in neighbouring Liberia, said the released UN personnel had been brought to Monrovia by helicopter on Sunday.

They were then taken to Sierra Leone's capital, Freetown, on baord a UN plane.

They are the first hostages to be released since 17 May, when about 150 peacekeepers reached Liberia.

Boosting UN troops

Mr Annan said in a recent letter to the Security Council that it was "crucial to accelerate the deployment of military units".

About 150 peacekeepers were freed on 17 May

The extra forces due this week will take UN troop numbers in Sierra Leone up to 13,000.

Reports say the secretary-general is calling for a further 3,500 peacekeepers.

Mr Annan's report to the Security Council is due to be made public shortly, but an advance copy was obtained by the BBC.

Sanctions

He says that, if the mandate of the UN soldiers is changed to authorise them to impose peace throughout the country, then the number of peacekeepers would need to increase yet again.

Mr Annan acknowledges that the past few weeks have revealed many problems concerning the command and control of the UN force and the preparedness and equipment of its peacekeepers.

He also suggested widening the current sanctions on Sierra Leone to prevent rebel leaders profiting from the illegal exploitation of diamonds.

It is widely believed that the UN's intention to deploy closer to the crucial diamond mining areas was an important factor in sparking the current crisis.