"The soldiers were accompanied by about 100 family members," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"They crossed into the town of Buedu," in the eastern Kailahun district bordering Liberia, he said, adding that their families had been "screened and searched before being handed over to UNHCR officials."

The soldiers, from forces loyal to President Charles Taylor, were taken to a camp in the nearby town of Mape, he said.

Liberian rebels have ringed the capital city of Monrovia but faltering peace talks are under way in nearby Ghana to end the west African country's four-year civil war.

WAR.WIRE