31.   Helicopter gunships defended the camp and strafed the surrounding jungle, but there were no immediate reports of rebel casualties, a military official said on condition of anonymity.

32.   He said the extent of rebel casualties in the air attack was not known.

33.   He would not comment on rebel casualties.

34.   Helicopter gunships defended the camp and strafed the surrounding jungles, but there were no immediate reports of rebel casualties, a military official said on condition of anonymity.

35.   Information on the rebel casualties was made available only Thursday.

36.   It also said rebel casualties appeared to be high, but no numbers were available.

37.   It mentioned no rebel casualties.

38.   It was unclear whether there were rebel casualties.

39.   Karen rebels claim there have been more government than rebel casualties.

40.   Military pronouncements about heavy rebel casualties are taken with a grain of salt, since only a few years ago it was the guerrillas doing the damage.