"We worked with the Bolivian government on the removal of a small quantity of man-portable surface-to-air missiles (manpads) that were in deteriorating condition," said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack.

"This was done at the request of the Bolivian government. They requested our assistance in this," McCormack said. He also said it was consistent with a resolution adopted by the Organization of American States in June.

McCormack rejected suggestions the operation was conducted clandestinely and without the knowldege of some Bolivian authorities to remove what might have been considered a threat.

"It's just not true. This was done at the request of the Bolivian government and it was done in partnership and consistent, I would note, with an Organization of American States resolution on the matter," he said.

The report came as Washington's relations with Bolivia entered a delicate phase with the victory of leftist firebrand Evo Morales in last Sunday's presidential election.