31.   Rebels fired on Russian outposts seven times, killing one soldier and wounding three others.

32.   Rebel fighters shelled Russian outposts in Chechnya, wounding three federal soldiers in skirmishes overnight, officials said on Wednesday.

33.   Several other Russian outposts in Dagestan also were attacked.

34.   Russia said it was shutting down nearly all its checkpoints on the Chechen border after guerrilla attacks on Russian outposts that left seven servicemen dead Friday.

35.   Six of them died when rebels opened fire on a Russian outpost near the village of Novogroznensky, a rebel stronghold, Thursday night.

36.   The Border Guards said three of its men were beheaded in the clash with the Afghan-based rebels who attacked a Russian outpost in eastern Tajikistan.

37.   The government appointed a new commander for its troops in Chechnya as rebel fighters continued to pounce on Russian outposts throughout the secessionist region, officials said Wednesday.

38.   The government appointed a new commander on Wednesday for its troops in Chechnya, where rebel fighters continued to pounce on Russian outposts throughout the secessionist region.

39.   The latest clash occurred in the Chechen capital Grozny early Friday when rebels fired on Russian outposts three times.

40.   The rebels mount almost daily hit-and-run attacks on Russian outposts and convoys, causing a steady stream of casualties.