URUMQI, China — Security agents hoping to prevent displays of defiance jogged alongside Olympic torchbearers today as the flame began its journey through China's restive West, drawing cheers from carefully controlled crowds.

Police and troops closely watched thousands of onlookers, hand-picked by officials, as they waved the national flag and shouted "Go China!" from behind metal barriers in Urumqi, the capital of the predominantly Muslim Xinjiang region. Sniffer dogs patrolled Muslim areas while torchbearers high-fived each other as they passed the flame.

Organizers urged a "safe and orderly viewing of the relay" through a state-run newspaper.

Although the Olympic torch has had a smooth run in China — uninterrupted by the protests over Tibet and human rights that hounded parts of its international tour — stops in Xinjiang and Tibet are the most sensitive, and the precautions underscore Beijing's concerns.

Overseas activists have criticized China for using the relay to show its control over the restive areas.

Like Tibet, Xinjiang is a region with a culture that is distinctly different from that of China's ethnic Han majority. The Muslim, Turkic-speaking Uighurs have long sought independence, waging a low-intensity struggle against Chinese rule.

ARGHANDAB, Afghanistan — Afghan officials say Taliban militants are destroying bridges and planting mines in several villages they control outside southern Afghanistan's largest city.Police officer Sardah Mohammad says more than 700 families — meaning perhaps 4,000 people or more — have fled the Arghandab district 10 miles northwest of Kandahar city.Police today were stopping and searching every person traveling on the east side of the Arghandab River.Officials say hundreds of Taliban have taken over several villages on the west side of the river.Mohammad says the militants are preparing for battle by destroying bridges and planting mines.Afghan army officials said they were flying reinforcements to Kandahar from the capital, Kabul.

LONDON — Prince William was made a Royal Knight of the Garter on Monday at a ceremony presided over by his grandmother — the British monarch — and attended by his father, brother and girlfriend.Queen Elizabeth II made William the 1,000th knight to join the order and formally presented him with the regalia, including a blue garter, sash and star brooch.After the ceremony at Windsor Castle, the knights wore their traditional ostrich feather hats and velvet robes as they walked to St. George's chapel in the castle grounds for a service.