Gains Against Rebels Reported

Pro-government forces advanced Sunday toward a rebel-held town that would position them to make a push against a key rebel stronghold, officials said.

The pro-government forces, including members of the army, former junta soldiers and militiamen composed of traditional hunters known as the Kamajors, were fighting their way toward Lunsar, 50 miles northeast of Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, said two top military officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

They declined to give further details, and their account could not be independently confirmed.