EL SALVADOR: NO END IN SIGHT

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP84B00049R000400680015-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 20, 2016
• Document Release Date: November 14, 2007
• Sequence Number: 15
• Publication Date: November 22, 1982
• Content Type: REPORT

Approved For Release 2007/11/14: CIA-RDP84B00049R000400680015-3
Central n e igence envy
22 November 1982
El Salvador: No End In Sight
The recent government counteroffensive in Chalatenango
recaptured much lost ground and boosted Army morale. The
operation had considerable cooperation from the Honduran
military, which provided a large blocking force. Guerrilla
casualties were heavy, with the government claiming over 150
killed, but the main insurgent force still managed to escape.
The government is planning another large operation with the
Hondurans to retake lost towns in Morazan. The guerrillas are
well entrenched in the region, and it will take a sustained
effort to defeat them. The bottom line is that the current
military stalemate is likely to continue for the foreseeable
future, with each side holding the initiative only temporarily.
25X1
25X1
On the political front, President Magana and Defense
Minister Garcia appear strengthened in their power. struggle with
Assembly President D'Aubuisson. Garcia has transferred some of
his military critics to less important posts. D'Aubuisson can no
longer count on a right-wing majority in the Assembly because of
a new coalition by moderate political opponents. Nevertheless,
D'Aubuisson is a skilled political maneuverer who will have to be
watched constantly. 25X1
Meanwhile, the insurgent proposal for negotiations has made
little headway. The government has turned a deaf ear to a
Panamanian offer of good offices, and Magana is pushing formation
of his own peace commission to bring the left into the electoral
process. The insurgents themselves are divided on the
negotiations issue, and many regard it only as a political
gambit. 25X1
Approved For Release 2007/11/14: CIA-RDP84B00049R000400680015-3