WASHINGTON (CNN) -- U.S warplanes dropped "inert ordnance," or
                  dummy bombs, on the disputed bombing range on the Puerto Rican
                  island of Vieques on Monday, according to a spokesman from the U.S. Navy.

                  The bombing marked the first use of the range since protesters, who closed it
                  down for a year, were removed last week by federal law enforcement authorities.

                  Navy spokesman Robert Nelson said two more protesters were detained on
                  Monday before the warplanes, based at nearby Naval Station Roosevelt Roads,
                  headed for the range. Nelson said the range was clear when the Navy planes
                  dropped their loads.

                  "We continue to ensure the security of the range," Nelson said. "In addition to the
                  two individuals detained today, we have not identified any additional personnel on the range."

                  More than 200 protesters were removed from the range in a raid staged by U.S.
                  law enforcement officers on Thursday. Six more were detained on Friday and
                  Saturday.

                  The protesters occupied the range last year after a pair of 500-pound bombs
                  dropped by a Marine Corps F-14 missed their target on April 19, 1999, killing
                  civilian security guard David Sanes Rodriguez.

                  The Navy halted its practice bombing runs after Rodriguez's death, while
                  residents of the island and their supporters argued that the bombing had
                  long damaged tourism, fishing, natural habitats and the health of the islanders.

                  But Navy officials replied that Vieques -- which has hosted preparations for
                  every U.S.-involved military conflict since World War II -- was the only place
                  where its fleet could practice air, land and sea operations simultaneously.

                  U.S. President Bill Clinton and Puerto Rican Gov. Pedro Rossello came to an
                  agreement on January 31 allowing the Navy to resume its exercises with
                  "dummy" bombs only, and giving the people of Vieques an opportunity to vote
                  on whether the Navy should vacate by 2003.

                  Protesters blocked implementation of the deal, leading to last week's raid.

                  Most analysts expect the islanders to reject the U.S. military. The Navy has
                  already acknowledged its failure to implement a 1983 accord, which committed
                  it to promoting Vieques' economic development.