1.   A timid sun mounts the palm trees that shroud the village, and streets moist with dew stir with life.

2.   As thick mist shrouded the village and snow fell, Russian special forces fought to flush out the heavily armed rebels, who also were well dug in.

3.   As thick mist shrouded the village and snow began falling, Russian special forces were trying to flush out the heavily armed rebels who were well dug in.

4.   As thick mist shrouded the village and snow fell, Russian special forces fought to flush out the heavily-armed rebels, who also were well dug in.