Zimbabwe Seizes U.S. - Registered Plane
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: March 8, 2004
Filed at 10:03 a.m. ET
HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) -- Zimbabwean authorities have seized a U.S.-registered cargo plane carrying 64 ``suspected mercenaries'' and military equipment, the Home Affairs minister said Monday.
The Boeing 727-100 was detained at Harare's main airport late Sunday after its owners allegedly made ``a false declaration of its cargo and crew,'' Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mahadi said at a news briefing.
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``The plane was actually carrying 64 suspected mercenaries of various nationalities,'' Mohadi said. ``Further investigations also revealed that on board was military material.''
The plane was moved to a nearby military base for further inquiries, he said.
Mohadi said full details would be released once officials have established ``the true identities of the men and their ultimate mission.''
U.S. officials could not immediately be reached for comment.
President Robert Mugabe repeatedly has accused the United States and Britain of plotting to overthrow his autocratic regime.