MILITARY SITUATION IN EL SALVADOR

Document Type: 
Collection: 
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
Case Number: 
Publication Date: 
November 4, 1983
Content Type: 
REPORT
File: 
AttachmentSize
PDF icon CIA-RDP88B00443R001404100129-3.pdf39.93 KB
Body: 
SECRET Approved For Release 2008/06/10: CIA-RDP88B00443RO01404100129-3 III_ l/nllR'l vi %-LIIUQI III LI Wj,hintlon.I) C 20505 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