UNITED NATIONS. Oct 9: Responding to an appeal by West Africans, the Security Council imposed sanctions on Sierra Leone to pressure the military Junta to restore the civilian government it ousted in May. reports AP.

The sanctions, adopted on the same day that African peacekeepers bombed the junta's military headquarters, require all UN member states to bar junta leaders and their families from their territory. The sanctions also impose an oil and arms embargo on the West African nation.

Oil shipments for humanitarian purposes must be cleared by the United Nations. All countries are barred from selling or transporting ammunition. spare parts and supplies to the Sierra Leone military.

"The resolution makes clear how the junta can end these

sanctions — by restoring the legitimate government of Sierra Leone." US Ambassador Bill Richardson said.

He called on the junta, which toppled President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah, "to restore the constitutional order and the democratically elected government."

The unanimous resolution reinforces the embargo imposed by the 16-nation Economic Community of West African States. The organisation previously sent in peacekeepers to try to restore the government.

Meanwhile, Jets from the Nigerian-led peacekeeping forces trying to oust Sierra Leone's junta bombed its military headquarters on Wednesday. killing at least four people, government officials said.

The compound was damaged extensively and 28 people were injured, and there may be more