MILITARY SITUATION IN EL SALVADOR

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP88B00443R001404100129-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: June 10, 2008
• Sequence Number: 129
• Publication Date: November 4, 1983
• Content Type: REPORT

SECRET Approved For Release 2008/06/10: CIA-RDP88B00443RO01404100129-3
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4 November 1983
MEMORANDUM FOR: C/LA, DDO
FROM: DCI
Attached for your information.
William J. Casey
Attachment:
Military Situation in El Salvador
Approved For Release 2008/06/10: CIA-RDP88B00443RO01404100129-3
 Approved For Release 2008/06/10: CIA-RDP88B00443RO01404100129-3
SECRET
Military Situation in El Salvador
Although it is true that the Salvadoran guerrillas have
largely held the tactical initiative since early September, the
situation for the Army is not as bleak as that portrayed in the
4 November article in The New York Times.
-- Army casualties have been high, but not as high as the
over 1,000 KIA claimed by the insurgents.
-- Government forces continue to conduct major offensive
operations, most recently last week northeast of the
capital,
The Army continues to suffer from problems that have persistently
plagued it for the past several years, however, including
inadequate logistical support and an inability to counter
guerrilla ambush techniques.
-- The military also is experiencing command and control
problems, and has suffered from ineffective leadership.
-- Defense Minister Vides is aware of the situation and plans
to institute widespread changes in the High Command by the
end of the year. We anticipate he will name a new Chief
of Staff and will relieve or rotate several brigade and
departmental commanders.
Approved For Release 2008/06/10: CIA-RDP88B00443RO01404100129-3