41.   The Israeli missile attacks illustrate that the conflict is escalating.

42.   Isolated clashes between the two tribes have been reported in recent weeks, but sources in the area reportedly fear the conflict would escalate into a full-scale military battle.

43.   Croatian President Franjo Tudjman called Monday on Russian presidential envoy Alexander Zotov to persuade Serbia to recognise Croatia and prevent the Balkans conflict escalating.

44.   There are also fears that the conflict could escalate into a regional war.

45.   The conflict escalated around noon Tuesday as the military sent troops to protect Buldon mayor Macarampat Manalao who escaped an ambush last week by MILF members.

46.   The conflict has escalated into violence on several occasions, although no accurate casualty figures are available.