U.N. peacekeepers and Haitian police say 75 people have been arrested during a sweep aimed at curtailing violence in the capital city of Port-au-Prince.
Troops surrounded the Bel-Air district, a stronghold of supporters of former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide, and searched vehicles and residents for weapons. Police officials say they found no weapons during the operation Wednesday.
The sweep followed a day of violence in Port-au-Prince, in which a former soldier was decapitated. Militant Aristide supporters claimed responsibility, and have threatened to kidnap and behead Americans in the city.
At least a dozen people have died since late last week, when Aristide supporters began violent protests demanding his return. Mr. Aristide was ousted in February during a rebel uprising. He is in exile in South Africa.