What does "mortars" mean here?

Yes, but smaller than the military grade.

No, it's also the name of a type of firework, like Roman candle, or Catherine Wheel.

It's also the name of a tube used to launch commercial grade fireworks.



The article does not specify exactly what was found.

Like, in Aerial Fireworks. They could, I suppose, be slanted or tilted and used as small scale artillery.

1. canisters - look it up

2. fireworks - look it up

3. commercial grade - look it up

then put it all back together

mortars (in this case) are commercial grade fireworks canisters

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fireworks


in Canada, people have to be certified to buy and use commercial grade fireworks. The laws in specific U.S. states varies around purchase and handling of the devices.