1.   After two years of war and tens of thousands of civilian and military casualties, defeated Russian troops are nearing the end of their withdrawal from Chechnya.

2.   As the security troops neared the house, the guerrillas opened fire.

3.   Citing security reasons, Kabila stood up Mobutu, while his troops neared the capital.

4.   Local officials have said troops were nearing the rebel faction holding American Jeffrey Schilling, of Oakland, Calif., in eastern Jolo, but Abaya refused to comment.

5.   The also deployed troops near each of the crowds that was blocking roads, apparently to prevent any violence.

6.   The troops are nearing a junction where one road leads to Madu, site of a famous Roman Catholic church.

7.   When Japanese troops neared Guilin, the family was among the lucky ones who got seats on an overcrowded train.