31.  Later in the day, Macedonian forces fired several mortars in retaliation, media reported.

32.  Macedonian forces and ethnic Albanian rebels clashed sporadically overnight in three areas, authorities said Friday.

33.  Macedonian forces backed by helicopter gunships launched a fresh offensive Thursday against ethnic Albanian rebels after two soldiers were killed and at least one was kidnapped in an ambush.

34.  Macedonian forces pressed ahead with attacks against ethnic Albanian rebel positions outside the capital Saturday, ignoring Western pressure to cease fighting and focus on a political solution.

35.  Macedonian forces unleashed a fierce assault on a northern village held by ethnic Albanian rebels Tuesday, while refugees from a week of fighting streamed out of the country.

36.  Macedonian forces also exchanged gunfire Friday with rebels at a German military barracks in Tetovo, Detlef Puhl, spokesman for the German Defense Ministry, said in Berlin.

37.  Macedonian forces also fought rebels outside the border villages of Malino Malo and Brest.

38.  Macedonian forces also were fighting ethnic Albanian rebels outside the border villages of Malino Malo and Brest.

39.  Macedonian forces and ethnic Albanian rebels clashed sporadically in the northwestern corner of the country overnight and early Friday.

40.  Macedonian forces and the rebels have denied responsibility in the attack, but peacekeepers are investigating.