U.S. Military Experts Blow Up Munitions Confiscated in Haiti

U.S. military demolition experts Saturday blew up more than three tons of weapons and ammunition confiscated in Haiti in a disarmament effort, military officials said.

Plastic explosives were used to destroy the munitions, including 1,300 mortar rounds, 800 rifle grenades and 1,100 hand grenades, at a remote military target range.

Most of the weapons and ammunition were seized at Haitian military weapons depots or during street sweeps and raids, officials said.

Some were bought by the U.S.-led multinational occupation force in a weapons buy-back program aimed at taking guns out of circulation. The military has been paying between $50 and $600 depending on the type of weapon.