1.   Snyder, the NORAD spokesman, said its fighters routinely intercept aircraft.

2.   There are clear requirements here, under international law, of what procedures are to be followed if they are intercepting a civilian aircraft, the official said.

3.   U.S. fighters were racing to intercept the aircraft in case it tried to target landmarks in Washington, D.C., such as the White House or Capitol.

4.   Pilots were trained in intercepting enemy aircraft and how to react if there is a nuclear attack, military officials told journalists.

5.   Observers in Kabul believe the Taliban intercepted the aircraft because they suspected that ousted Afghan President Burhanuddin Rabbani, who is in Iran, may have been aboard.

6.   The aircraft was intercepted not far from the border between Russia and Chechnya near the Caucasus city of Mineralnye Vody.

7.   The aircraft was intercepted not far from the border between Russia and Chechnya near the city of Mineralnye Vody.

8.   The Pakistan Television news broadcast said a Pakistan air force plane intercepted the aircraft and forced it to land at Hyderabad.

9.   Two pilots had attempted to intercept the aircraft near Raleigh after being alerted through the national air defense system.

10.   Wickson, who fired the first deadly missile, has admitted inexperience in intercepting low-level aircraft.