NEWSLINKS
US EDITION
COLUMNISTS
DIARY
SPECIALS
INTERVIEWS
CAPITAL BUZZ
REDIFF POLL
DEAR REDIFF
THE STATES
YEH HAI INDIA!
ELECTION 99
ELECTIONS
ARCHIVES

Search Rediff

Two Indian soldiers released in Sierra Leone

The Revolutionary United Front in Sierra Leone unconditionally released one Indian officer and a soldier. They are still holding 32 others hostage, an army spokesman said today.

The Indian peacekeepers being detained by rebels at Kailahun area in the west African nation, include seven officers, one junior commissioned officer and 24 soldier, the spokesman said adding that one Nepalese soldier had also been released on medical grounds and evacuated to the capital, Freetown.

Describing the overall situation in Sierra Leone as grim, the spokesman said India was continuously monitoring the situation. With the offer of logistical support from a number of countries some more troops, including Indian, are being inducted by the end of the month.

The United Nations Peacekeeping Troops were being re-deployed to prevent RUF cadres from reaching Freetown.

While being re-deployed from Magburaka to Mile 91, the Indian army's 5/8 Gorkha Rifles and others, followed by a Kenyan company, successfully tackled fighting RUF rebels without suffering any casualties.

In a similar incident, Kenyan peacekeepers suffered a few casualties while breaking out through roadblocks the RUF had set up.

EARLIER REPORT:
Kargil heroes head for Sierra Leone

UNI

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report