11.   The fighting followed the rebel capture of three villages in the same area earlier this week.

12.   The fighting followed a lull of several days that has permitted international aid agencies to transport aid to the region.

13.   Fierce fighting followed the seizure, the ITAR-TASS agency added.

14.   Army spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Longin Minani said the fighting followed a rebel ambush in Bururi, the home province of many Tutsi army officers.

15.   Berger said personnel from the humanitarian agency had been prevented from moving into the village, which was the scene of fierce fighting following the Russian assault Monday.

16.   Both sides routinely exaggerate the size of battles, but the fighting Saturday followed days of reported opposition helicopter attacks on government positions.

17.   There were no reports of fresh fighting following the attack.

18.   Lieutenant Colonel Gary Coward, a UN spokesman said few details were available but added that the fighting follows a build up of tension around the enclave.

19.   Renewed fighting followed recent claims by the Islamic militia that its forces had put down resistance in Kunar and the neighbouring provinces of Nangarhar and Laghman.

20.   The fighting followed the call for a ceasefire at midday Monday, which was proposed by northern warlord General Abdul Rashid Dostam.