CURRENT SITUATION IN SURINAME

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP91B00874R000200200012-6
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 4, 2011
• Sequence Number: 12
• Publication Date: December 9, 1986
• Content Type: MISC

Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/08/04: CIA-RDP91 B00874R000200200012-6
The Surinamese military offensive which began on 29 November
appears to be achieving its objectives, although the military
assault will clearly leave the Surinamese government open to new
charges of brutality. Bouterse already under criticism for 2
December decision to declare State of Emergency in Eastern
Suriname, which granted the government sweeping authority. Recent
acquisition of additional military hardware will enable military
to expand its range of activities.
--As of 8 December, the towns of Moengo and Albina are back
in the hands of the military. Both airstrips are open. Road
between Paramaribo and Moengo is open, and the road continuing
east to Albina is expected to be open soon. Military forced,
under gunpoint, the evacuation of the hospital in Moengo in order
to use it as the Field Headquarters.
--More than a dozen civilians - including women and children
- have been killed in attacks against villages in Eastern
Suriname. At least some of the killings reportedly were
deliberate murders as opposed to accidental deaths in crossfire.
--As of 6 December, the Army's newly acquired helicopter is
flying; a machine gun is mounted on each side. Helicopter flew a
practice run over Moengo on 5 December, but has not been used in
combat yet. No additional helicopters have been delivered.
Libyan government reportedly financed one half the helicopter's
cost.
Su alco remains immobilized. Homes of workers have been
looted by military personnel. Surinamese citizen and manager of
Suralco reportedly being held by Surinamese officials who are
questioning him regarding possible collaboration with Brunswijk.
In late November exile leaders Henk Chin a Sen and Eddie
Jozefzoon met with Brunswijk to review the rebel operations.
Draft proclamation outlining Brunswijk's goals was written.
Proclamation includes statement that transitional government
following Bouterse's ouster will be comprised of civilians only,
with represenatives from political parties inside Suriname and
resistance groups inside and outside the country. Brunswijk
forces continue to suffer from lack of supplies and increasing
dissension regarding role of the various resistance movements.
We understand Elliott Abrams will be traveling to Holland on
15 December to coordinate Surinamese policy with the Dutch.
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/08/04: CIA-RDP91 B00874R000200200012-6
 Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/08/04: CIA-RDP91 B00874R000200200012-6
ILLEGIB
Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2011/08/04: CIA-RDP91 B00874R000200200012-6