1.   He argued that the sinister-looking chain-link is actually a safety measure, preventing fighters from tumbling into the crowd.

2.   But officials in Moscow defended the move as part of security measures to prevent rebel fighters from getting behind Russian lines.

3.   He also said that in the past he had publicly announced any other physical impairments that had prevented a fighter from being allowed to compete.

4.   Jose Barrientos of the Cuban Boxing Federation said no extra security measures were taken to prevent more fighters from defecting.

5.   Moscow is now expected to try to seal off the mountains and prevent Chechen fighters from crossing their lines to carry out guerrilla attacks.

6.   Russian troops closed Grozny in February to prevent rebel fighters from moving in and out of the city.

7.   Commanders say they are patient and at least have prevented the fighters from operating openly as the new Afghan government comes together.

8.   In a pouring rain, peacekeepers maintained a heavy presence on the streets and blocked two bridges leading into the city center to prevent more fighters from entering.

9.   Russian Interior Ministry troops set up checkpoints on the main road out of Grozny to prevent Chechen fighters from fleeing and setting up positions outside the capital.

10.   Thai troops have fired artillery to prevent the fighters from crossing over the border.