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7 Indian soldiers released in Sierra Leone: AFP

Revolutionary United Front rebels in Sierra Leone have allowed 18 UN peacekeepers to rejoin a UN battalion that is still surrounded by RUF forces.

The soldiers, seven Indian soldiers and 11 military observers whose nationality had not been revealed, were allowed to rejoin their colleagues who are trapped at Kailahun, 300 km east of the capital.

"They have been allowed to reintegrate with the Indian battalion in Kailahun," said United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone, spokesman David Wimhurst. He did not say why the 18 men were released by the rebels.

The battalion is one of a number encircled by RUF forces for more than a week.

The UNAMSIL says 300 of its peacekeepers are being held by the RUF while 200 others have been reported missing and are presumed captured.

The abductions began on May 2 when RUF forces attacked UNAMSIL positions in Makeni, Kailahun and Magburaka, 150 km east of Freetown.

"In some areas we have had direct contact, we have seen them. In others not," said Wimhurst of the abducted troops on May 12. "They are alright and are not being ill-treated."

The 200 missing troops are a Zambian UN contingent who were disarmed and abducted by RUF forces near Makeni, 140 km east of Freetown, 10 days ago.

UNAMSIL describes as captured only those about whom it has received direct information and where their places of detention have been identified.

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