1.   Diplomats said there were also reports of chaotic fighting between Zairian forces deployed to defend Kisangani, and panic among civilians.

2.   Earlier in the day, Zairian forces fired an anti-aircraft gun at an unidentified airplane that passed over the town three times.

3.   In many cases, the Zairian forces have fled at the first rumor of a rebel attack.

4.   Most of the soldiers were intercepted by other Zairian forces.

5.   The fighting between the rebels and Zairian forces has flared anew in recent days after the government launched a counteroffensive in January.

6.   Any attempt to approach them was stopped by Zairian military forces.

7.   Fighting between rebels and Zairian forces in September forced the refugees to abandon border camps and seek safety farther into Zaire, cutting them off from all international aid.

8.   The city fell Wednesday morning, Kabila said, although fierce fighting between rebel troops and an elite group of Zairian forces continued on its outskirts.

9.   The rebels called a cease-fire earlier this week after driving Zairian forces from positions along the border.

10.   They appear to have routed Zairian forces from Bukavu, hammering them with artillery as they struggled to establish defensive positions in the hills behind the town.