Many of them claimed to have fled after they were targeted by armed rebels.

They work under the grim threat that armed and dangerous rebels could pick them off at any time.

The return of American forces was welcomed by the armed rebels.

That suggests either a number of armed rebels or local support - or both.

It is not clear how many armed rebels remain in the city.

Several opposition activists said they wanted nothing to do with the armed rebels.

Later estimates put the number of armed rebels at about 200.

It forced the poorly armed rebels to retreat, leaving behind 60 dead.

The second time, he said, they were accompanied by armed rebels who gave them protection.

"But they let it go and now we have a real war with armed rebels."