71.   On Saturday separatist military chief Aslan Maskhadov claimed the whole town had fallen to his forces.

72.   Rebel sources have not yet confirmed that the town has fallen.

73.   Russian forces now control all access routes leading to Argun, the press service said, but did not indicate if the town had fallen to Russian troops.

74.   Separatist military chief Aslan Maskhadov claimed the whole town had fallen to his forces.

75.   The faction leader, Hekmatyar, has his headquarters close to Maidan Shahr which would be vulnerable if the town fell.

76.   The military situation since then has worsened, however, and the premier may not be able to hold on if other key towns such as Kisangani fall too.