61.   Rebels said they have halted their advance on this strategic city on the Zaire River to await the arrival of more forces for the final assault.

62.   Several Algerian journalists given access for the first time to Oued Allel reported that security forces were closing in and appeared to be preparing for a final assault.

63.   Sri Lankan troops halted their advance on the Tamil rebel stronghold of northern Jaffna City on Thursday to regroup before a final assault, military officials said.

64.   The action appeared to have settled into a standoff before the final assault, which erupted after the mid-day call to prayers.

65.   The final assault began shortly after the mid-day call to prayers faded over the city.

66.   The final assault was starting.

67.   The soldiers are regrouping and stockpiling arms and ammunitions for a final assault.

68.   The surprisingly swift advances toward Freetown come as the rebels say they are preparing for a final assault on the capital.

69.   Three Indian soldiers were killed and nine wounded in the final assault, he said.

70.   They testified that they had no direct knowledge of any Delta Force participation in the final assault or any gunfire from government positions.