21.   Dozens of gunshots in sporadic bursts exploded around the embassy as men appeared on the roof of the white-walled compound.

22.   There were only sporadic bursts of fire, indicating that any serious fighting between troops and Chechen separatists was over.

23.   Meanwhile sporadic bursts of heavy weapons continued in the Rwandan capital Saturday as rebels fighters battled government troops for control of the city, Gueye said.

24.   Nearby familes living on the road gathered on their balconies to watch the firefight, which lasted in sporadic bursts until nightfall.