Wealthy Arms Dealer Goes on Trial in New York

NEW YORK – A wealthy arms dealer has gone on trial in New York City on charges he tried to sell millions of dollars in weaponry to Colombian rebels so they could attack Americans.

Monzer al-Kassar was arrested last year in Madrid. A federal sting used cooperators posing as members of a rebel force in Colombia classified in the U.S. as a terrorist group.

Prosecutors told jurors Wednesday that al-Kassar and a co-defendant were eager to sell anti-aircraft missiles, grenade launchers and other arms to the group. The defense calls the pair legitimate businessmen.

If convicted, the two face possible life sentences.