1.   Reported confessions from the group were apparently gained through torture, the U.N. officials said.

2.   Sources close to the case have said the nurses plan to withdraw the reported confessions.

3.   The reported confession would be the only one known so far by Asahara, who has declined to state a plea to murder and other charges in court.

4.   The reported confession suggested that al-Khayarin, who escaped unhurt, was not the target of the shooting.

5.   The raids came on the heels of reported confessions by key cult members already in custody.

6.   The reported confession nevertheless would mark a major break for investigators, who had been unable to get Asahara to respond to any previous questions about cult violence.

7.   The reported confessions to prosecutors could not be independently verified.