1.   Rebel forces have tightened their hold on the capital.

2.   In the capital, pro-government forces tightened security on the streets, mindful that infiltrators played a critical role last year in the near-fall of Freetown.

3.   Also Tuesday, Russian forces tightened security on the border between rebel Chechnya and neighboring region of Ingushetia, which included more searches and dogs sniffing vehicles for explosives.

4.   As the president spoke, U.S.-backed forces tightened their hold on a cave-filled Afghan region where bin Laden is believed to be hiding.

5.   Bosnian Serb forces have been tightening the noose around Bihac, rolling back recent government army gains in that area.

6.   Foreign Minister Yohei Kono voiced strong concern Monday over the rapidly deteriorating situation in Bosnia where Serb forces have tightened their grip on the U.N. peacekeeping mission.

7.   Israeli security forces on Tuesday tightened their siege of a West Bank village after they reportedly identified the Islamic militants who carried out two Jerusalem suicide bombings.

8.   Israeli security forces tightened their blockade of a West Bank village on Tuesday after they reportedly identified the Islamic militants who carried out two suicide bombings in Jerusalem.

9.   Russian forces tighten their grip around central Grozny on Sunday, bombarding the presidential palace with artillery fire and penetrating deeper into the ruined city.

10.   Russian forces tightened their noose around central Grozny on Sunday, bombarding the presidential palace with artillery fire and penetrating deeper into the city.