1.   Consequently, minor clashes can quickly escalate.

2.   It is essential that India and Pakistan insure that minor military clashes do not escalate into volatile confrontations.

3.   What began in September as street clashes have steadily escalated.

4.   Activists of rival political parties often fight one another with guns, crude bombs and machetes and such clashes escalate during elections.

5.   Awuni said sporadic gunshots had been heard in Yendi on Tuesday and clashes escalated Wednesday.

6.   Clashes in Kosovo escalated last weekend after international monitors withdrew following the collapse of the second round of peace talks.

7.   He also warned that the clashes might escalate.

8.   He also warned that the clashes would escalate.

9.   The clashes apparently escalated when the army members returned several hours later with reinforcements, Miedoiakedo said.

10.   The clashes apparently escalated when troops returned several hours later with reinforcements, Miedoiakedo said.