The government estimate that around 1200 counter revolunonarics have invaded the country: Although seems revolutionaries Cullite. carry only small arms and infantry, the Sandinistas that 'the awal C Somocista force which has penetrated quires air support Honduran territory for its Sandinistas fear I ne that frequent Casues put down what they call the 'genocidal forces' used by the United States 'to provoke border clashes between our forces, and the Honduran Army which could end in war with the United States and its puppet including Honduras.' Honduras York according to the New Times, has at least 150 CIA agents for 'the most ambitious paramilitary and political action operation mounted by the agency for more than a decade.
The details have recently been made public by a former Argentinian military advisor Honduras, Hector rances who was sent to Central America 'evaluate and create conditions military operations by revolutionary forces, to obtain statements by politicians other sectors favourable to the counter revolutionaries.' The beginning of the Argentinian strategy was to create what they termed 'ideological frontiers' which would assist the counter revolutionaries to pool their Wille resources.
This was carried out in many countries before the 'contras' (counter revolutionaries) Callic agreement in Miami "at the beginning of 1982 constituted the Nicaraguan Democratic Forces (FDN)
the FDN seems either unable or unbuild itself among important sections of the anti-Sandinista opposition to the SOULI of Nicaragua in Costa Rica, around Eden Pastora, the around the former Sandinista leader.
Francés is clear that this operation requires extraordinary contributions of capital' from the US This money was used 'establish encampments, salaries to thousands al ills pay of assistance Counle revolutionary leaders, and pay the salaries of Argentine military advisors which $2000-$3000 a month Often 'fake comwere created to odes provide cover for operations such as stores, Jumber industries' Various offices and buildings were equipped with this money cluding Coullici revolutionar radio tion, Radio 15 de Septiembre.
Francés pointed out that other assistance was given, and that in 1980 50 Somocistas were sent Argentina to be trained in guerrilla warfare This was to prepare them to become instructors tor counter revolutionary camps in Central America and Miami.
added that the Honduran Forces and the contras otten carry out clean-up operations searches together There is also constant exchange of advice information between forces and Honduran military installations used stores for the contras military equipment.
late December of last year the head of the CIA, William Casey, Honduras for discussion with the US amJohn Dassalul. Negroponte, who the US newsweekly Newsweek saw overall command of operations.
solitar aid to Honduras officially $13m, although. it is probably much more. It has recently received Hercules transport aircraft phosphorous bombs, adaptable air ground fighter bomber, The A-37 'Dragonfly".
There has also been a massive increase in the number of foreign military advisors in Nicaragua the last twelve months. Various Latin American governments were heavily Big Pine man res Pine' manoeuvres in early February this ycal HAHOCUVICS were clearly seen by the Nicaraguans as a provocation, and while they took place Nicaragua remained on armed alert.
Managua 30,000 demonstrated these manoeuvres. 'Орегаtion big was ine largest military ever held Central America it involved over 7000 participants.
Due to the swiftness, agility and skill of the Sandinista Army ana ine incompelcice o the Somocistas this incursion has been contained. The latest casualty figures are 300 contras of whom 205 are dead, 97 members of the Sandinista forces of whom 57 were killed. So far the "cells' of 'contras the cities have been silent and no attacks have been made. Unconfirmed reports exist that segments of the legal opposition have been arrested or have been placea unaer houst arrest In his report Frances also stated that part of the strategy was to introduce a 2000 strong force Miskitu indians Honduras in order to tomass uprising among the Miskitu people.
The latest communique from the Sandinista government StaLes that 'Politica pluralism mains in force. Production and life continue for the normal, but with assistalle not alone, main selfdetermined l1l' dependent.
• Argentinian aid to 'contras' continues.
See pages 8 and 9
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THE LATEST attack on Nicaraguan territory is rightly seen by the Sandinista government as a 'new phase of the aggression against Nicaragua which has never ceased since the triumph of the Revolution'. Some aspects of this invasion are frighteningly obvious. This is the largest single act of aggression carried out against the Sandinista government.