Georgia troops take last rebel-held town

TBILISI - The armed rebellion in western Georgia collapsed yesterday, and Georgian military officials said their troops marched into the final rebel stronghold, Zugdidi, without resistance. The republic's Defence Ministry spokesman said rebel leaders, including the ousted president, Zviad Gamsakhurdia, had fled into Abkhazia, a province controlled by separatists. The rebels, who may yet continue their fight, had sought to oust Eduard Shevardnadze and return Mr Gamsakhurdia to power. AP