The battle once again belied Russia's assertions that its forces have largely subdued rebel resistance after more than three years of warfare.

Russia has repeatedly claimed to have broken the rebel resistance, though fighting has continued.

Along with the mountainous regions in the south, it has been a center of rebel resistance.

The hope was that rebel resistance would melt once the Ceausescus were dead.

But similar boasts have been frustrated in the past by determined rebel resistance.

Troops were encountering heavy rebel resistance as they advanced with air and artillery support.

The Russian authorities have repeatedly claimed to have broken the back of the rebel resistance only to see the fighting continue and casualties climb.

But the plaza became a symbol of rebel resistance in recent weeks.

Russian commanders have also been surprised by the stubborn rebel resistance, and may have been forced to rethink their tactics.

All right, let's get moving while there's still enough rebel resistance left in the town to keep the machines occupied.