The army said that some 20,000 rebels had died so far in the 15 year war. The rebels admit to having lost some 16,200 troops. The army said they lost 1,464 men in 2000, with some 9,000 wounded. Last year, 2,433 rebels were killed. The army says rebel fighting strength has declined from 8,500 in 1997 to 4,500 this year.