RIGHTIST TERRORISM IN EL SALVADOR

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP85T00287R000100420001-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 24, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: February 15, 1980
• Content Type: MEMO

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/05/24: CIA-RDP85T00287R000100420001-6
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CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
NATIONAL FOREIGN ASSESSMENT CENTER
15 February 1980
Rightist Terrorism in El Salvador
Fearing that the governing junta will be unable to
prevent a takeover by the revolutionary left, rightists in
El Salvador are stepping up violent actions. Their goal is
to retaliate against the left and to encourage a rightwing
coup. Although:our information on vigilante groups is
sketchy--partly reflecting their history of fading in and
out of existence--the involvement of security force personnel
and members of the economic elite is widely accepted
The principal rightist paramilitary organization, the
White Warriors' Union (UGB), was formed in 1977. It focused
its initial activities on the clergy, claiming responsibility
for murdering a Jesuit priest in mid-1977 and threatening to
kill all remaining Jesuits if they did not leave El Salvador
by year's end. Last year, the organization killed another
priest, and it probably was involved in dozens of additional--
but unattributed--murders of teachers, peasants, and leftist
activists. The UGB published a communique last month threat-
thzrough 14 February 1980 has been used in this report. Questions and
cwranents may be addressed to Chief, Middle America and Caribbean Branch,
ening further action against the left.
This memora um was prepared by the Latin America Division of the
Office of Political Analysis. The memorandum was requested by the Latin
American representative of the National Security Council. It was coordin-
ated with the Deputy Directorate of Operations and discussed with the
National Intelligence Officer for Latin America. Information received
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In the past, suspicion of government involvement with
the terrorist right was prompted by ex-President Romero's
-reluctance to speak out or crack down against the UGB.
some corroboration on
links between the extremist right, the government, and the
Salvadoran oligarchy.
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the UGB was controlled by
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unspecified ranking members of the Romero regime. In August,
two middle-grade National
Guard officers were directing the terrorist activities.
A new group--the Organization for Liberation from
Communism (OLC)--which announced its formation last month
and took credit for two bombings, may be linked to the
former head of the Guard, who is.known for his ultraconserva-
tive views. The OLC may have been responsible for killing a
leader of a prominent leftist party that withdrew from the
government in January. An active-duty National Guard officer
reportedly led the team responsible for one of the recent
bombings.
Hardliners in the economic elite probably have provided
personnel, funds, a uipment, and organizing ability to the
rightist cause. a
wealthy rancher a used his airplane to bring a large
quantity of arms into the country, that a group of oligarchs
intended to finance a terrorist campaign, and that members
of the group had solicited support from rightwing leaders in
Guatemala.
some terrorist acts
were carried out by persons in the private sector who were
frustrated at the erosion of public order.
2
SECRET
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Original i 1 - Requestor
2 - NIO/LA
Product on taff
1 -
3 - Joyce PPG)
1 - Coordination Staff
1 - Ambassador Leonhert
1 - OER Registry
1 - Bruce Clarke
1 - C/LA
1 - DC/ IA
I - Cathy for country files
1 - analyst ?
1 - Front Office
3 - distribute 1 copy to each branch
1 - E11P
1 - NSC res dential Briefing Coordinator, Jay Rixse
1 - DCI
1 - DDCI
1 - NFAC Registry
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2010/05/24: CIA-RDP85T00287R000100420001-6