1.   On both sides, troops deserted the army.

2.   Taliban troops deserted the Afghan capital of Kabul Tuesday morning following a series of military victories by opposition forces and a withering barrage of airstrikes from U.S. warplanes.

3.   Troops deserted.

4.   When they were denied permission, NATO officials said, the troops deserted.

5.   Front-line troops deserted when commanders also pocketed their pay, they said.

6.   John Garang, the U.S.-educated rebel leader, has called on government troops to desert and join the opposition alliance.

7.   Thirty Russian Interior Ministry troops deserted their unit to escape brutal hazing and camped in a forest, refusing to return until a top commander guaranteed their safety.

8.   As throughout the country, troops deserted the barracks in this central town after Albania plunged into rebellion early last month.

9.   Their task has been made easier up to now by the Zairean army, demoralised, badly trained and unpaid, whose troops have deserted in droves.