Aristide estate stormed

United Nations peacekeepers detonated an explosive device to force their way into the home of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and force out ex-soldiers who helped oust the former leader.

The peacekeepers persuaded the rebels to leave unarmed, and no injuries were reported.

Brazilian soldiers said the explosion was a warning to the ex-soldiers, who had occupied the estate plundered in February after Aristide fled.

As efforts at negotiation by Haiti’s interim government, the UN stabilisation mission and various political and civil groups failed, UN peacekeepers “had to resort to force but we rejoice that this operation was conducted without any loss of blood”, a statement from the UN mission in Haiti said.