11.   The U.S. military says a strike could hinder its operations.

12.   A New South Wales Rural Fire Service spokesman said the rain was too light to help extinguish fires, but enough to hinder backburning operations.

13.   A search operation was hindered by a Force Four gale.

14.   A New South Wales Rural Fire Service spokesman said the rain was too light to help extinguish fires but strong enough to hinder backburning operations.

15.   None of the kidnappers had been caught yet, he said, adding that fog had hindered rescue operations on Sunday.