1.   From there, the crack of exploding mortars and the rattle of automatic rifle fire could be heard.

2.   Artillery fire shortly after daybreak was followed by the sound of exploding mortar rounds and heavy machine gun fire west of Kumanovo.

3.   She was injured seriously by an exploding mortar shell which killed two of her companions, he said.

4.   The fighting erupted around midday and continued as might fell, rocking the city with the sound of exploding mortars and antitank shells and rifle rounds.

5.   Thuds and puffs of smoke marked exploding mortar rounds as they hit the mountain.

6.   Local health workers said they had treated civilians wounded by exploding mortars and stray bullets.