NICARAGUA SINCE THE REVOLUTION: AN IMAGERY ANALYSIS OF THE MILITARY BUILDUP SINCE JULY 1979

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82T00709R000200850001-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 39
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: September 2, 2011
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: June 1, 1982
• Content Type: REPORT

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NICARAGUA SINCE THE REVOLUTION: AN IMAGERY
ANALYSIS OF THE MILITARY BUILDUP SINCE JULY 1979 (S)
INTRODUCTION
1. (S/WN/NOFORN) Since coming to power in July 1979, the Sandinista National Liberation Front
(FSLN), the dominant faction of the National Reconstruction Government of Nicaragua, has established a
military force consisting of an army (EPS) with its allied border guard and militia units, an air force (FAS),
and a small navy. Expansion, development and improvement of these forces have been major goals of the
new government.
2. (S/WN/NOFORN) military facilities included 27 barracks areas, ten
constructed since the revolution; four field training areas; at least 50 border guard posts (BGPs); two
border guard schools; and four militia schools. Training, although modest in some cases, now includes
armor, airborne, and special-troops training in addition to conventional infantry, artillery, and air-defense
3. (S/WN/NOFORN) The EPS is organized into seven military regions (MR; Figure 1).1 In the fourth
and seventh military regions, separate headquarters facilities have been identified. Fourth MR Headquar-
ters, Matagalpa Vehicle Park , was converted from an estate on the southeast edge of
Matagalpa. A similar estate on the southeast edge of Juigalpa was converted to Juigalpa Seventh MR
Headquarters
4. (S/WN/NOFORN) FAS capabilities have been improved by the addition of Soviet-manufactured
aircraft to the aging aircraft inherited from the Somoza regime, and facilities under construction at three
major airfields imply future FAS improvement and acquisition of additional aircraft.
5. (S/WN/NOFORN) Soviet and Cuban influence and assistance are apparent in weapons and
equipment inventories, barracks designs, and associated training areas. Also, the frequency of Soviet and
Cuban ships calling at Nicaraguan ports has increased as has that of Nicaraguan ships making transits to
Cuba.
6. (S/WN/NOFORN) This report, derived from imagery acquired through March 1982, details the
Nicaraguan military buildup and Soviet/Cuban influence in Nicaragua as well as defensive and logistical
activity along Nicaragua's borders with Honduras and Costa Rica. Military and logistics facilities identified
on imagery and discussed in the report are summarized by MR in Table 1. The various types of facilities
are discussed in the following seven sections, each containing a list of facilities keyed to a location map:
1) military barracks areas, 2) field training areas, 3) militia schools, 4) border guard facilities and important
border crossings, 5) selected airfields, 6) port facilities and shipping activity, and 7) logistics facilities.
DISCUSSION
Section 1. Military Barracks Areas
7. (S/WN/NOFORN) Of the 27 military barracks areas identified in Nicaragua (Table 2 and Figure 1),
ten were newly constructed since the revolution; 11 were civilian facilities prior to the revolution and
have since been converted to a military function; and six were former National Guard facilities.
8. (S/WN/NOFORN) Five newly constructed installations-Villanueva, Matagalpa, Juigalpa, Cuaja-
chillo and La Quebradita (Figures 2 to 6)- are remarkably similar. Each has a rectangular configuration and
comprises a vehicle storage/maintenance area, a barracks area, and a troop training area. The troop
training areas all have a Soviet-style type A obstacle course and a Soviet-style physical training area. This
configuration closely resembles that of Managua Barracks and School Area in Cuba
(Figure 7). Construction at Villanueva, Matagalpa, and Juigalpa began about March 1980. Each of the
three facilities has a barracks area with five 55- by 10-meter single-story barracks, an artillery miniature
range, and an AAA site. Construction at Cuajachillo and La Quebradita, both in Managua city, began
about March 1981.
9. (S/WN/NOFORN) The construction/conversion category for each barracks area and the type of
unit garrisoned there are included in Table 2. A brief discussion of the construction, chronology,
significant activity, and order-of-battle for each facility follows.
Managua EPS Army Headquarters
10. (S/WN/NOFORN) The earliest evidence of Cuban influence was observed at Managua EPS
Army Headquarters (Figure 8). This facility, in the center of the city of Managua, was headquarters for the
Somoza National Guard and is now EPS headquarters. In January 1980, the first Soviet-style type A
obstacle course in Nicaragua was constructed here; by July 1980, a six-position AAA site with Soviet-
manufactured ZPU-4 AA guns, a Soviet-style physical training area, and Soviet-style troop-training grids
had been added. In mid-November 1981, a lattice communications tower was erected near the southeast
corner of the headquarters building.
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 Table 1.
Summary of Nicaraguan Installations by Military Region
(Military Regions are outlined on Figure 1)
This table in its entirety is classified SECRET/WNINTEL/NOFORN
MR Military Bks
Areas
Field Training No of Major Border
Areas BGP Crossings*
Selected
Airfields
Ports
Other
Ill
IV.- - J inotega
Matagalpa
44th MR Hq
IlYas
La Rosita
Puerto Cabezas
VI Diriamba
VII Juigalpa
7th MR Hq
La Paz 1 NU/HO San Pedro Chlnandega Corinto Sotaca -
- El Rosano Puerto -Militia Sch
_ Leon - Sandino
- Papalonal
Lake Managua
Los Brasrles
21 NU/HO Buenos Aires Comana
NU/HO El Espin EsteR
ocdtal
- Somoto
15
El Portillo La, Primavera
Los Brasiles Stor Dpt
Montelimar San Martin Stor
Sandino - Opt
Santa Enriqueta
Militia Sch --
Tipitapa Armor Repair -
Fac
Jinotega
-Bonanza --
Karawala
La Tronquera
-Lecus
Monte Carmelo
Puerto Cabezas
Sinua
Waspam
Puerto--
Cabezas
Huiste 3 - NU/CS Penas Blancas Sao Juan
del Sur
Bluefields
El Bluff
Rama
Condega
Ocotal
Somoto
Totogalpa
El Regate
El Tamarindo
Leon
Los Liano (Los Lianos)
Villanueva
Cuajachillo
EB Martillo
Eli Tempisque
Jiloa
La Quebradita
Las Jaguitas
Campo Marie
)Colotlan
E PS Hq, Managua
Montelimar
Sandino
CS-Costa Rica
HO-Honduras
NU - Nicaragua
Bluefields
Corn Island
El Bluff
Nueva Guinta
Dagoberto Rugama
La Union POL Stor
2 road construction camps
La Tronquera Stor Dpt
Guadeloupe Moreno Militia
Sch
7 road construction camps
Chavarria Mil Sch
San Carlos Mil Camp
11. (S/WN/NOFORN) On several occasions, formations of up to one hundred troops have been
observed. The presence of tents in the training area in mid-December 1981 and again in mid-January 1982
may be related to a training cycle discussed in Section 2, paragraphs 63-65 of this report.
12, (S/WN/NOFORN) Equipment observed here has included up to 24 East German W-50 trucks, 12
box-bodied trailers, six Staghound armored scout cars (remnants from the Somoza army), and two Soviet-
manufactured 57mm ZIS-2 antitank (AT) guns. An additional 32 W-50 trucks and 16 box-bodied trailers
have usually been parked in areas outside the main facility.
Managua Army Barracks Campo Marte
13. (S/WN/NOFORN) Managua Army Barracks Campo Marte, a military academy during the
Somoza era, is directly north of the EPS headquarters facility (Figure 8). No apparent physical changes
have been made. Three or four tents were erected in the installation vehicle park for a short period in
mid-November 1981 and again in late February 1982.
14. (S/WN/NOFORN) Equipment observed has included two 57mm ZIS-2 AT guns, two mortars,
and 25 W-50 trucks. From late November through early December 1981,13 East German ambulances were
stored here following delivery to the port of Corinto. Their locations since December are not known,
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Table 2.
Military Barracks Areas In Nicaragua
(Items keyed to Figure 1)
This table in its entirety is classified SECRET/WNINTEL/NOFORN
Item
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Installation Name/Construction Site Status*
Condega Mil Camp
Cuajachillo Mil Bks Area
El Martillo Mil Bks Area
El Regate Mil Camp
El Tamarindo Hacienda
El Tempisque Mil Fac
lyas Prob Mil Camp
Jiloa Mil Tng Fac
Jinotega Mil Bks Area
Juigalpa Mil Bks Area
La Quebradita Mil Bks Area
La Rosita Mil Tng Fac
Las Jaguitas Mil Bks Area
Leon Army Bks El Fortin
Los Llano Mil Bks (Los Llanos)
Managua Army Bks Xolotlan
Matagalpa Mil Bks Area
Montelimar Atld
Ocotal EPS 8n Hq and Bks
Puerto Cabezas Mil Camp
Sandino Mil Fac
Somoto Batt Hq Co Hq and Bks
Totogalpa Mil Camp North
Villanueva Bks Area
Key N - Constructed since July 1979
C-Converted from civilian use since 1979
G - Converted from National Guard facility
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Coordinates Unit Type
13-20-30N Inf bn
086-24-30W
1207-36N Unoccupied; poss future rgmt
086-20-13W hq; motorized rifle bn
11-51-20N Inf bn
086-14-25W
12-12-15N Heavy lift unit
086-23-25W
12-35-45N Inf bn
087-08-15W
12-14-DON Unid
086-42-45W
12-12-28N Armor bn
086-20-33W
13-19-58N Unid
065-22-15W
12-13-25N Spec-troops tng
086-17-46W
13-08-15N Unid tng
086-00-1 OW
12-07-DON Inf bn
085-22-25W
12-07-15N Unoccupied; poss future
086-17-1 OW motorized rifle bn
13-54-45N Unid inf unit
084-24-25W
12-05-30N Unid
086-13-15W
12-25-06N Unid inf unit
086-53-31W
12-54-30N Unid motorized rifle unit
086-35-45W
12-08-45N Unid inf unit
086.16-17W
12-09-02N Unid
086-14-50W
12-08-25N Motorized rifle bn
086-16-07W
12-54-10N Inf bn
085-59-DOW
11-48-15N Arty and airborne tng
086-30-40W
13-31-1 ON Inf bn, reserve unit
086-28-45W
14-02-50N Inf bn
083-22-33W
12-08-35N AAA tng
086-09-40W
13-28-15N Inf bn
086-33-35W
13-34-30N Inf bn
066-29-30W
12-56-03N Inf bn
086-49-SOW
(Continued p, 5)
 xQRAS
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SALVADOR 1
PACIFIC OCEA
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8610 0
LAGO DE
MANAGUA {
17 19
4 .
T anagu
14 (EPS HQ)
Z1 Diriamba
(EPS HO)
LAGO DE NICARAGUA
ITEMS KEYED TO TABLE2
MILITARY REGION BOUNDARY
NAUTICAL
FIGURE 1. EPS MILITARY REGIONS, HEADQUARTERS, AND BARRACKS AREAS IN NICARAGUA
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z
Puerto Cabe
(EPS HQ)
Bluefields
2? 00
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Villanueva Barracks Area
15. (S/WN/NOFORN) The vehicle storage/maintenance area at Villanueva (Figure 2) in northwest-
ern Nicaragua includes two 60- by 14-meter ten-bay, double-depth vehicle storage sheds and one vehicle
maintenance shed. A six-position AAA site occupied by ZPU-4 AA guns was added by October 1980;
however, in April 1981 it was being converted to a three-position site occupied by probable ZU-23 AA
guns. Also by April 1981, 34 narrow drive-in revetments had been constructed along three sides of the
perimeter of this facility. They were not used until late March 1982, when vehicles were parked in eight of
the revetments. in late 1981, an area west of the facility was cleared and footings and uprights for small
sheds were constructed. Although not yet complete, this area appears to be related to equipment
maintenance.
16. (S/WN/NOFORN) Usually, equipment is observed in small numbers, if at all. However, in early
February 1981, a convoy consisting of six W-50 trucks towing ZPU-4 AA guns, six W-50 trucks towing AT
(probably ZIS-2) guns, three W-50 trucks towing box-bodied trailers, five W-50 trucks, and one jeep was
observed returning to the facility. On the same date, a camouflage-netting shelter was observed at the
weapons firing range. On one occasion in early January 1982, 21 farm tractors were in the vehicle
maintenance area. The use of military facilities as temporary holding areas for incoming military and
civilian equipment has been observed on several occasions.
17. (S/WN/NOFORN) Since late fall 1980, small numbers of troops engaged in a variety of activities
have been seen on occasion. Although construction of the barracks area itself was complete by late 1980,
clearing south of the facility, probably for additional training ranges, has been underway for over a year.
Matagalpa Military Barracks Area
18. (S/NW/NOFORN) The vehicle storage/maintenance area at Matagalpa (Figure 3) in north-
central Nicaragua includes one maintenance shed; one 51- by 15-meter, double-depth vehicle storage
shed with 17 bays; and one 47- by 15-meter, double-depth vehicle storage shed with 16 bays. Building
construction at this area continued steadily until March or April 1981, at which time activity seemed to
increase. A three-position AAA site occupied by ZPU-4 AA guns was added at the south end of the facility
in late April; a Soviet-style physical training area was under construction by late May; and a Soviet-style
type A obstacle course was begun in mid-July. In mid-August about 30 drive-in revetments were
constructed on the east and south sides of the barracks area and were first used for dispersal parking in
late March 1982.
19. (S/WN/NOFORN) Since late October 1981, 12 to 18 W-50 trucks along with several miscellane-
ous vehicles have been in the vehicle maintenance area. The AAA site was reconfigured during
December, and no weapons have been discerned there since. In mid-January 1982, grading was
underway on one of the weapons firing ranges, possibly for renovation.
Juigalpa Military Barracks Area
20. (S/WN/NOFORN) The vehicle storage/maintenance area at Juigalpa (Figure 4) in south-central
Nicaragua includes one 54- by 15-meter, double-depth shed with 17 bays and one 51- by 15-meter,
double-depth shed with 16 bays. By September 1981, the Soviet-style type A obstacle course, the Soviet-
style physical training area, and a three-position AAA site were under construction. The AAA site was
subsequently occupied by ZPU-4 AA guns.
21. (S/WN/NOFORN) Other than a few miscellaneous sedans and other small vehicles in the
maintenance area, equipment present usually has been limited to six to eight W-50 trucks. As at both
Villanueva and Matagalpa, troop formations have occasionally been observed.
Cuajachillo Military Barracks Area
22. (S/WN/NOFORN) Cuajachillo (Figure 5), complete but not yet occupied in March 1982, has
several special features. The barracks area includes seven 56- by 14-meter barracks; the troop training
area has two Soviet-style physical training areas; and the vehicle storage area contains one single-width
(50- by 15-meters) and four double-width vehicle sheds. The four double-width sheds, each 65 by 30
meters, are identical to vehicle sheds in the regimental vehicle park at the Managua facility in Cuba.
These special features and an unusually neat appearance suggest an eventual function as motorized rifle
regimental headquarters for these facilities with the motorized rifle battalions garrisoned here, at La
Quebradita, and at EPS Headquarters and the armor battalion garrisoned at El Tempisque.
La Quebradita Military Barracks Area
23. (S/WN/NOFORN) La Quebradita (Figure 6), under construction since mid-March 1981, includes
five partially completed 55- by 14-meter barracks and one partially complete and three complete 60- by
10-meter vehicle sheds. A Soviet-style type A obstacle course and a Soviet-style physical training area
have been under construction since mid-February 1982. La Quebradita is 3 nautical miles (nm) east of
Cuajachillo and 1.5 nm south of EPS Headquarters.
(Continued p. 13)
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El Tempisque Military Facility
24. (S/WN/NOFORN) Construction of an armor garrison has nearly been completed northwest of
Managua on the Chiltepe peninsula. Clearing for the installation, El Tempisque Military Facility (Figure 9),
began in late 1980. By April 1981, footings had been constructed for several buildings including four
vehicle sheds-one 21 by 9 meters with four bays and three 35 by 9 meters with seven bays.
25. (S/WN/NOFORN) In late August, a temporary tank storage area (Figure 10) was identified 2,000
meters northwest of the armor garrison under construction. The storage area included 22 canvas-covered
shelters and a tank miniature firing range with one T-54/55 tank .2 Tank driver training has been in
progress since that time and as many as 15 T-54/55 tanks, four possible tanks, three BTR-60 PB armored
personnel carriers (APCs; Figure 11), and two GSP heavy ferries have been identified (Figure 12).
26. (S/WN/NOFORN) The permanent garrison (Figure 9) comprises a vehicle storage/maintenance
area, a barracks area, and a troop training area. A Soviet-style type B obstacle course, a type of obstacle
course associated with armor units in Cuba and the Soviet Union, was added in late 1981.
27. (S/WN/NOFORN) A revetted storage area northeast of the garrison was under construction
from February to October 1981. The specific function of this area is not known but may be related to
ammunition storage. Little activity has been observed since the area was completed.
El Martillo Military Barracks Area
28. (S/WN/NOFORN) El Martillo (Figure 13), along the main highway northwest of El Tempisque,
was a rundown farm until conversion to a military facility began in mid-1980. By early 1981, a Soviet-style
type A obstacle course and a Soviet-style physical training area had been added. In July 1981, trucks and
trailers were moved into the southeast end of the area. Three new barracks were constructed at the
northwest portion of the installation between October and December and footings for several build-
ings/sheds were constructed in a cleared area at the southeast end in January 1982. This facility is
probably a garrison for a heavy-lift unit. As many as seven heavy-lift trailers, 16 box-bodied trailers, 20
commercial trailers, and 11 W-50 trucks, in addition to construction equipment, have been observed
parked in the southeast area. Four W-50 trucks, two 57mm ZIS-2 AT guns, and two possible AA guns were
observed at the northwest area in late March 1982, the first time artillery has been present.
Jiloa Military Training Facility
29. (S/WN/NOFORN) The Jiloa facility (Figure 14), constructed on the Chiltepe peninsula along the
shore of take Managua, is a special-troops training facility similar in several respects to Guanabo Military
Camp East 0 a commando training facility in Cuba.3 In July 1980, the training facility at Jiloa
consisted of a small-arms firing range and a Soviet-style type A obstacle course. Beginning in November
1981, an airfield mockup with aircraft and fuselage sections, hand-to-hand combat pits, and an ambush/-
driver training course were added. In addition, the firing range was being renovated and a probable
demolition-training area had been identified. Eight to ten W-50 trucks have occasionally been present,
and in late February 100 sedans, probably to be used for training purposes, were closely parked near the
entrance.
Sandino Military Facility
30. (S/WN/NOFORN) Sandino Military Facility (Figure 15), near the east end of Sandino Airfield, is
probably an AAA school. Formerly a warehouse area, it was used for AAA and parade training for five
weeks in 1980 prior to the celebration of the first anniversary of the revolution; the observance included
a parade of military equipment. The area was again unoccupied until the end of 1980 when W-50 trucks
and troops were observed. By April 1981, a Soviet-style type A obstacle course and a Soviet-style physical
training area were under construction. In mid-November, about 300 troops were observed in formation,
and from 8 to 16 December, several tents were present. An AAA training exercise-during which as many
as three, three-position AAA sites occupied by ZU-23 AA guns were field deployed near the permanent
AAA sites at Sandino Airfield-was underway from November until mid-December. One three-position
AAA site occupied by ZU-23 AA guns appears to be permanently deployed in the training area of the
facility. As many as nine W-50 trucks and five 57mm ZIS-2 AT guns have been present in the vehicle park,
and, on one occasion in April 1981, three Staghound scout cars were present.
(Continued p. 16)
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Managua Army Barracks Xolotlan and Las Jaguitas Military Barracks Area
31. (S/WN/NOFORN) Two other military-type facilities in the Managua area have been observed,
but units at each have not yet been identified. Xolotlan, in an industrial area in the northeast section of
the city, includes portions of a Soviet-style type A obstacle course which were added in June 1980.
Nonetheless, this facility may be a police barracks rather than an army installation.
32. (S/WN/NOFORN) Las Jaguitas is a former apartment complex in an exclusive residential area
south of Managua. Since mid-1980 a Soviet-style type A obstacle course, a small-arms firing range, and
three vehicle/equipment sheds have been constructed near the existing ten single-story duplexes,
clubhouse, and swimming pool.
Diriamba MR Headquarters
33. (S/WN/NOFORN) The Diriamba facility (Figure 16), 18 nm south of Managua, was a National
Guard barracks before the revolution. Elements of a Soviet-style type A obstacle course were present by
March 1981, and a Soviet-style physical training area and artillery miniature range were added by mid-
1981. On several occasions, as many as 300 troops have been observed in formations on the parade
ground and/or in activity on the training field. Equipment used on the training field or parked in the
vehicle park included as many as 30 W-50 trucks, five Soviet-manufactured GAZ-66 trucks, five 57mm ZIS-
2 AT guns, and three ZU-23 AA guns. A six-position AAA site was occupied by six ZPU-4 AA guns in
March 1981; however, since mid-July the site has been occupied by three ZU-23 AA guns and the ZPU-4
AA guns have not been observed.
Montelimar Airfield
34. (S/WN/NOFORN) Montelimar (Figure 17), a seaside estate 25 nm southwest of Managua, was
converted to a military facility in late 1979. It is used for both artillery and airborne training. The latter is
discussed in the airfield section (Section 5).
35. (S/WN/NOFORN) The earliest activity related to artillery training was observed in March 1980.
An AAA site was constructed near the runway, and the vehicle park (Figure 18) was being prepared near
the headquarters complex. Since that time, field artillery training exercises have been conducted. During
June and July 1980, the runway was used to practice formation driving for the parade commemorating the
first anniversary of the revolution. Twenty-two tents were erected on the parking apron, and as many as
120 W-50 trucks, 75 artillery pieces, and 18 jeeps were observed practicing.
36. (S/WN/NOFORN) By September 1980, a Soviet-style type A obstacle course had been con-
structed; by early 1981, two artillery miniature ranges had been added. In April 1981, the AAA site was
moved to an area on the south side of the runway where it was subsequently occupied by six ZPU-4 AA
guns.
37. (S/WN/NOFORN) From late July 1980 until mid-May 1981, equipment levels in the vehicle park
(Figure 18) varied, with as many as 18 W-50 trucks and 26 field guns present. In May 1981, 12 Soviet-
manufactured ZIL-151/157 trucks and nine Soviet-manufactured ML-20/A-19 guns/howitzers were ob-
served for the first time. The usual inventory until late March 1982 included 22 W-50 trucks, 12 ZIL-151
trucks, four 57mm ZIS-2 AT guns, 12 ML-20/A-19 guns/howitzers, and six ZPU-4 AA guns. Since late
March the vehicle park has been empty.
Ell Regate Military Camp
38. (S/WN/NOFORN) Conversion of El Regate (Figure 19), formerly an estate between Chinandega
and Corinto, was identified in May 1980 when a Soviet-style type A obstacle course was observed under
construction. By August 1980, two barracks, an artillery miniature range, and a Soviet-style physical
training area had been added; by March 1981 an L-shaped vehicle shed was completed, and construction
of a three-position AAA site was beginning. The AAA site was completed and occupied by July. In early
August, formations containing at least 500 troops and a static display including four ZIS-2 AT guns were
observed, the only time AT guns have been identified at this facility.
39. (S/WN/NOFORN) By late 1981, three more barracks and a 20-bay, double-depth vehicle shed
were completed; the L-shaped vehicle shed was partially removed. Equipment observed has included
three ZU-23 AA guns in the AAA site and as many as 12 W-50 trucks.
Leon Army Barracks El Fortin
40. (S/WN/NOFORN) By early 1981, the Leon facility, converted from an old fortress southwest of
the city, included two new vehicle sheds, two weapons firing ranges, a three-position AAA site usually
occupied by ZU-23 AA guns, and foxholes around the perimeter. As many as ten W-50 trucks have been
present. By mid-1981, however, the firing ranges had become overgrown, and little activity or equipment
other than the occupied AAA site was observed.
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Somoto Battalion Headquarters and Barracks
41. (S/WN/NOFORN) The Somoto facility, converted from a National Guard barracks, is on the
Inter-American Highway approximately 10 nm from the Nicaraguan-Honduran border (Figure 20). By
mid-1981, a Soviet-style type A obstacle course which had been constructed near the barracks was moved
south of town to a location where an artillery miniature range and weapons firing ranges were also
constructed. A Soviet-style physical training area remained near the barracks. During this period, a three-
position AAA site occupied by ZU-23 AA guns was constructed on a hill across the highway from the
barracks. In early February 1982 a shed in the vehicle park was relocated near and at right angles to its
original location. As many as 12 W-50 trucks are usually present in the vehicle park.
Condega Military Camp
42. (S/WN/NOFORN) Construction of Condega (Figure 21), also along the Inter-American High-
way, probably began in March or April 1980. Although not identical to other newly constructed Cuban-
style barracks areas, the same elements-vehicle sheds, barracks area, and training areas-are present.
The variations in configuration may be due, at least in part, to rough terrain in this area.
43. (S/WN/NOFORN) By the end of 1980, the six barracks and two of the three vehicle sheds were
complete; a Soviet-style type A obstacle course and a Soviet-style physical training area, an artillery
miniature range, a weapons firing range, and a six-position AAA site had been constructed. The AAA site
was occupied by six ZPU-4 AA guns until mid-1981 when the site was moved to a hill near the highway.
The new site has three positions occupied by ZU-23 AA guns.
44. (S/WN/NOFORN) Equipment observed has included as many as 19 W-50 trucks, four ZU-23
guns, and, until mid-1981, six ZPU-4 guns. On one occasion in late 1980, three field guns were observed
in tow near the barracks.
Ocotal EPS Battalion Headquarters and Barracks
45. (S/WN/NOFORN) Conversion of Ocotal (Figure 22) from a lumbering-related function to an EPS
facility began in late 1979. By mid-1980, a Soviet 'style type A obstacle course had been constructed in the
barracks area and a firing range had been added near the airfield. By October, an artillery miniature
range, a Soviet-style physical training area, a large vehicle shed, and a vertical radiator had been added.
46. (S/WN/NOFORN) This facility is in rugged terrain approximately 10 nm inside the Nicaraguan-
Honduran border. Notable are the large numbers of defensive trenches, firing positions, artillery
positions, and foxholes situated throughout the facility. On the ground near the administration building
the letters EPS, EPR, and RPS-abbreviations for the Sandinista army and reserve-and the outline of a
clenched fist, the guerrilla salute, are maintained.
47. (S/WN/NOFORN) As many as 18 cargo trucks are occasionally observed and during November
1981, an S-58 helicopter was present. A three-position AAA site around the edge of the helicopter landing
area is occasionally occupied by machine guns or possible ZU-23 AA guns.
Totogalpa Military Camp North
48. (S/WN/NOFORN) Totogalpa (Figure 23), 4 nm south of Ocotal, was constructed between March
and November 1981. It includes a headquarters/administration area, a barracks, three support areas, and
five large firing positions which have been graded out along a ridge line. Among the slogans and
abbreviations painted on the ground, a common Nicaraguan practice, the military unit number (MUN)
87-52 is discernible. No military equipment has been observed here.
jinotega Military Barracks Area
49. (S/WN/NOFORN) This facility (Figure 24) was constructed adjacent to Jinotega Airfield in north
central Nicaragua during the latter half of 1980. It probably functions primarily as a training camp.
Included are a Soviet-style type A obstacle course, an infiltration obstacle course, two weapons firing
ranges, and a general infantry training area in addition to six barracks, one headquarters/administration
building, and an open parking area. Five W-50 trucks are the only equipment which has been observed
here.
La Rosita Militia Training Facility
50. (S/WN/NOFORN) This small facility on the western edge of a mining town in northeastern
Nicaragua consists of three barracks and support buildings surrounded by foxholes. Other than a HIP
helicopter, observed in early March 1982, no equipment or activity has been observed.
Puerto Cabezas Military Camp
51. (S/WN/NOFORN) Puerto Cabezas Military Camp (Figure 25), a former National Guard facility
adjacent to Puerto Cabezas Airfield, is the major military facility in northeastern Nicaragua. Among the
buildings constructed since the revolution are two vehicle sheds (one of which has not been completed),
(Continued p. 27)
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three barracks, and two support buildings. A Soviet-style type A obstacle course was added in mid-June
1980; however, it was removed in late March or early April 1981. An artillery miniature range and a firing
range have been constructed at the camp, and additional artillery and infantry training is conducted at a
training area 0.5 nm north of the camp.
52. (S/WN/NOFORN) As many as 18 W-50 trucks and two Staghound scout cars have been seen at
the facility. In early July 1981, nine 57mm ZIS-2 AT guns were added to the inventory.
53. (S/WN/NOFORN) Probably because of increasing tensions between the military and the
indigenous population of northeastern Nicaragua, extensive defensive trenches and numerous firing
positions have been emplaced throughout the area. This activity began in late 1980 and was continuing in
March 1982.
Ell Tamarindo Hacienda, Los Llanos Military Barracks and lyas Probable Military Camp
54. (S/WN/NOFORN) The remaining three facilities identified as military installations do not fit the
pattern of either an EPS barracks or a training installation.
55. (S/WN/NOFORN) At El Tamarindo Hacienda (Figure 26), foxholes observed near the barracks
area as early as July 1979 indicated some role during the revolution. A year later, sawtooth trenches, an
unidentified non-Soviet-style obstacle course, and 12 W-50 trucks were observed. By late August 1981, a
road network in a grid configuration was under construction and the obstacle course had been removed;
by mid-November, a small vehicle shed had been constructed in the vehicle park and a baseball
diamond, a feature commonly observed at EPS barracks, was laid out in the field opposite the barracks
area. By mid-February 1982, a vehicle shed was constructed on this field. Shortly thereafter, cargo trucks
were observed near the vehicle shed and the baseball diamond had been relocated. As many as 23 W-50
trucks have been observed in the vehicle park.
56. (S/WN/NOFORN) Los Llanos (Los Llano; Figure 27), 3 nm northwest of El Sauce in northwestern
Nicaragua, was converted from a farm to military use. Four barracks and a vehicle shed were. constructed
between February and November 1981. The surrounding fields contain two three-position AAA sites,
probably unoccupied; several artillery positions; and defensive firing positions.
57. (S/WN/NOFORN) Military equipment, observed here for the first time in early 1982, included
15 cab-over-engine trucks. Ten trucks were possible GAZ-66 and five were possible W-50 trucks. Four
field guns, four possible mortars, and one jeep were also observed.
58. (S/WN/NOFORN) Iyas Probable Military Camp (Figure 28), on a hill in a remote village 40 nm
northwest of Matagalpa, is ringed with foxholes, defensive trenches, and several observation posts. The
abbreviation FSLN has been painted on the ground in large letters. The only activity/equipment observed
here has been a single S-58 helicopter seen in early October 1981.
59. (S/WN/NOFORN) The locations and descriptions of the 18 permanent AAA sites in Nicaragua
are included in Table 3. Both types of antiaircraft weapons observed so far can also be used as ground
weapons against troops, vehicles, or lightly armored vehicles. Those AAA sites overlooking a major road
or highway are indicated in the remarks section of the table. In mid-1981 several sites underwent
changes, and these are also included in the remarks section.
Section 2. Field Training Areas
60. (S/WN/NOFORN) Four field training areas (Table 4 and Figure 29) have been identified in
Nicaragua. Although these training areas are not collocated with barracks areas, some generalized
associations can be made.
Lake Managua Training Area
61. (S/WN/NOFORN) Construction of Lake Managua Training Area began in late 1979 along the
lake and directly north of Sandino Airfield. By late 1981, a target run had been relocated, and four small
range control buildings had been constructed to replace the original control building. The only vehicles
observed in use at this facility have been Staghound armored scout cars, most of which are stored at
Tipitapa Armor Repair Facility (Section 7). The training area, 5 nm west of the repair facility, may be used
to check-out the aging scout cars after repair and/or maintenance.
Los Brasiles Training Area
62. (S/WN/NOFORN) Los Brasiles Training Area, immediately north of Los Brasiles Airfield and
northwest of Managua, is used for wheeled vehicle and infantry training. Foxholes were observed in the
area in late 1979; by mid-1980, a considerable number of trenches and wheeled vehicle tracks were in
evidence. During the first half of 1981, three stationary Staghound scout cars were present in revetments,
and for a short period in mid-July one ZPU-4 AA gun was present. Other training activity observed on
occasion included as many as seven W-50 trucks and 100 troops. These troops and vehicles are probably
(Continued p. 32)
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Table 3.
Antiaircraft Artillery Sites In Nicaragua
This table in its entirety is classified SECRET/WNINTEL/NOFORN
No of Positions
Weapon Type
ZU-23
site with ZPU-4
Ocotal
Poss ZU-23
Near helicopter landing area
Somoto
ZU-23
On hill near hwy
El Regate
ZU-23
Near hwy
Leon
ZU-23
On hill near afld
Villanueva
ZU-23
Changed from 6-position site with ZPU-4
Montelimar
ZPU-4
At afld
Sandino Intl Afld
ZPU-4
South of runway
ZPU-4
South of runway
ZPU-4
North of afld
Sandino Mil Fac
ZU-23
Tng area
Managua EPS
ZPU-4
Only 3 positions occupied
Army Hq
III
ZPU-4 Site
ZPU-4
IV
Matagalpa
ZPU-4
V
Puerto Cabezas
ZPU-4
At afld
VI
Diriamba
ZU-23
Changed from 6-position site with ZPU-4
VII
Juigalpa Bks
ZPU-4
On hill near hwy
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Table 4.
Field Training Areas in Nicaragua
(Items keyed to Figure 29)
This table in its entirety is classified SECRET/WNINTEL/NOFORN
1 Lake Managua Tng Area
2 Los Brasiles Tng Area
3 Huiste Mil Tng Area
4 La Paz Mil Tng Area
Table 5.
Militia Schools in Nicaragua
(Items keyed to Figure 30)
This table in its entirety is classified SECRET/WNINTEL/NOFORN
1 Amayito Oscar Turcios Chavarria
2 Sotaca
3 Santa Enriqueta
4 Guadalupe Moreno
12-10-05N 086-10-OOW
12-11-50N 086-20-50W
1 1-42-56N 086-24-41W
12-33-26N 086-29-19W
11-43-15N 086-20-OOW
13-00-40N 086-57-OOW
12-09-59N 086-04-53W
14-03-40N 083-23-50W
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garrisoned at San Martin Storage Depot (Section 7), 1.5 nm to the east. Barracks construction at the
storage depot in the latter part of 1980 coincided with increased activity at the training area.
Huiste Military Training Area
63. (S/WN/NOFORN) Huiste Military Training Area is on the Pacific coast 8 nm southeast of
Montelimar. An artillery/antiaircraft exercise, underway from late November to mid-December 1981,
included six unidentified AA guns in a six-position site, and 12 W-50 trucks, three of which were towing
probable artillery. This exercise occurred at precisely the same time as the AAA exercise at Sandino
Military Facility (Section 1).
La Paz Military Training Area
64. (S/WN/NOFORN) La Paz Military Training Area, located in an agricultural area 30 nm north of
Managua, was first identified in early January 1982. Foxholes, artillery positions, automatic weapons firing
positions, defensive trenches, and wheeled vehicle tracks were observed over a wide area at that time. As
none of these were observed in mid-November 1981, it is apparent that a field training exercise had been
underway here at the same time as those at Huiste and Sandino.
65. (S/WN/NOFORN) The combined evidence of tents at EPS headquarters in Managua and at
Sandino Military Facility in mid-December with concurrent training exercises at Huiste, Sandino, and La
Paz suggests the establishment of a training cycle for the EPS.
Section 3. Militia Schools
66. (S/WN/NOFORN) All four Militia schools identified in Nicaragua (Table 5 and Figure 30) were
constructed in mid-1981 and conform to a pattern consisting of seven barracks, a vehicle shed, a
headquarters/administration building, and two or three small support buildings. Adjacent fields, used for
basic military training, contain sawtooth trenches and foxholes.
67. (S/WN/NOFORN) In mid-March 1982, five field guns and three trucks were observed at
Amayito Military School Oscar Turcios Chavarria near the southwest coast (Figure 31). Observation also
revealed the apparent construction of a probable firing range. By late March, a possible three-position
field-deployed AAA site had been added.
68. (S/WN/NOFORN) Occasional activity, but no equipment, has been observed at Sotaca, near the
Honduran border in northwestern Nicaragua, and Santa Enriqueta, southeast of Managua.
69. (S/WN/NOFORN) Since September 1981, a high level of activity and changes in the facility itself
have been observed at Guadalupe Moreno Military School in the Puerto Cabezas area (Figure 32). Of the
seven original barracks, three have been doubled in size; one has been razed; and two others are
partially disassembled. A firing range has been added and enormous quantities of defensive trenches,
firing positions, and lines of foxholes have been emplaced.
70. (S/WN/NOFORN) As many as 31 trucks have been present; from mid-February to mid-March
1982, six field guns possibly deployed from nearby Puerto Cabezas Military Camp were observed. In late
March, trucks and artillery were no longer present and the activity level was lower than usual. These
changes indicated deployment of personnel and weapons. Activity in this area is probably related to
tensions between the civilian population and Sandinista forces.
Section 4. Border Guard Facilities and Major Border Crossings
71. (S/WN/NOFORN) Forty-five border guard posts (BGPs)/defensive positions, one border guard
school, and three major highway border crossings have been identified along the Nicaraguan-Honduran
border; and five BGPs, one probable border guard school, and one major highway border crossing have
been identified along the Nicaraguan-Costa Rican border (Table 6 and Figure 33).
72. (S/WN/NOFORN) A BGP typically consists of a barracks and one or two support buildings
surrounded by defensive trenches with firing positions. The guard post at Leimus (Figure 34) is typical.
The posts from Kum through Rio Coco 5 and Rio Coco 6 are on the banks of the Rio Coco, the border
between Honduras and Nicaragua in the eastern half of the country. With the exception of a ferry
crossing at Leimus, access between the two countries is very difficult in this area. Many BGPs along the
river are in small villages inhabited by Miskito Indians. Traditionally, the Indian population in northeast-
ern Nicaragua has been geographically and culturally isolated from the more populous western half of
the country, and, before the revolution, generally ignored. After the Sandinista takeover, fear of counter-
revolution originating from Honduras (the refuge of many members of the Somoza regime's National
Guard) resulted in an unprecedented military presence along the border. This military presence in
combination with Cuban teachers-whose attempts to eradicate illiteracy through the use of materials
featuring revolutionary rhetoric were unpopular-reportedly ignited the separatist tendencies of the
Indian population. Internal conflict erupted in early 1982, when at least 32 Indian villages along a 100-nm
section of the river were either completely or partially destroyed. Those inhabitants who had not fled to
Honduras were relocated inland, away from the border (Figures 35, 36, and 37).
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73. (S/WN/NOFORN) Near Rio Coco Border Guard Post 6, the Rio Coco ceases to form the border.
From this point west, BGPs tend to be positioned on hills or along ridge lines such as the guard post at
Entre West (Figure 38). The western section of the border includes three major highway border crossings.
In addition to BGPs, a major military installation within 11 nm of each crossing strengthens defenses.
Ocotal EPS Battalion Headquarters and Barracks is on Highway 17, 11 nm south of Buenos Aires
Nicaraguan/Honduran Border Crossing; Somoto Battalion Headquarters and Barracks is on Highway 1
(the Inter-American Highway) 9 nm east of Nicaraguan/Honduran Border Crossing El Espin; and
Villanueva Barracks Area is near Highway 24,11 nm southeast of San Pedro Honduran/Nicaraguan Border
Crossing over the Rio Guasaule.
74. (S/WN/NOFORN) Border guard troops are trained at Ocona (Ococona) Military School Dago-
berto Rugama (Figure 39) constructed in mid-1981 in the town of Ocona.1
75. (S/WN/NOFORN) San Carlos Military Camp in southwestern Nicaragua may also be a border
guard school and headquarters. The Nicaraguan border with Costa Rica is considerably less heavily
defended than the northern border and includes only one major highway border crossing-Penal Blancas
Nicaraguan/Costa Rican Border Crossing-on the Inter-American Highway. Distances between guard
posts are far greater on the Costa Rican border than in the north, indicating considerably less fear of
counter-revolution from the south.
Section 5. Selected Airfields
76. (S/WN/NOFORN) The locations and runway lengths of 25 selected airfields in Nicaragua are
included in Figure 40 and Table 7 respectively, and those collocated with major military installations are
indicated in the remarks column of Table 7. Three of the 25 (Sandino International, Puerto Cabezas, and
Montelimar) are of major importance.
Augusto Cesar Sandino International
77. (S/WN/NOFORN) Sandino Airfield (Figure 41), east of the city of Managua, is the country's only
international airfield, the headquarters of the Sandinista Air Force (FAS), and the headquarters of
Aeronica, the domestic airline. FAS facilities are at the west end of the airfield (Figure 42). The FAS
inventory consists mainly of aircraft inherited from the Somoza regime, and the March 1982 inventory
included the following:
4 C-47
2 Casa Aviocar C212
2 Arava
5-6 Cessna 0-2 Skymaster
4 1-33 Tee Bird
3 T-28 Trojan
3 U4 Aerocommander
1 DHC-2 Beaver
1 Sikorsky 5-58
1 UH-1
1-2 OH-6
1-2 Alouette III
As many as 12 other small straight-winged and twin-engine aircraft
78. (S/WN/NOFORN/NOCONTRACT) In addition, two HIP helicopters acquired from the Soviet
Union and reportedly manned by Soviet crews4 are usually present in the FAS section of Sandino. A COLT
is occasionally present as well, although the COLTS are based at another section of the airfield. Six COLTs,
one of which crashed in mid-February 1982, were received from the Soviet Union in mid-1981 and are
also reportedly manned by Soviet crews.4
79. (S/WN/NOFORN) The FAS inventory has varied during the last year and a half. During late 1980,
the number of C-47s in the FAS section increased from four (three light colored and one camouflage
painted) to five-all light colored. These five along with the C-47 assigned to Aeronica brought the total
to six in the country. From mid-January to late April 1981, two of the three FAS C-47s were at Papalonal,
an improved airfield reported to be involved in arms trafficking during that time.5 In September 1981, the
number of C-47s assigned to Aeronica increased to two, with the other four C-47s remaining with FAS as
part of the military inventory. By early February 1982, three of these four were camouflage painted, a
process that began in April 1981.
80. (S/WN/NOFORN) The number of 5-58 helicopters has decreased over the past two years. Three
were observed until mid-March 1981; however, no more than two were observed from mid-March to late
July 1981. Since July 1981, only one 5-58 helicopter has been observed. In recent months the 5-58 has
rarely been present at Sandino. It has usually been deployed to facilities near the northern border. In
October it was observed at Matagalpa and lyas, in November at Ocotal, from early January to mid-
February 1982 at Puerto Cabezas, and in late February at Waspam.
(Continued p. 42)
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0 50
1 I I I
NAUTICAL MILES
Table 7.
Selected Airfields in Nicaragua
(Items Keyed to Figure 40)
This table in its entirety is classified SECRET/WNINTEL/NOFORN
Item Airfield Name Length
(m)
Bluefields 945
Runway ucon 2,033
Bonanza 1,425
Chinandega 745
Comana 1,130
Corn Island 2,325
El Bluff 1,280
El Portillo 640
El Rosario 1,525
Esteli 800
Jinotega 970
Karawala 810
La Tronquera 1,205
Lecus 920
Leon 945
Los Brasiles 920
Monte Carmelo 625
Montelimar 2,050
Nueva Guinea 960
Ocotal 725
Papalonal 1,530
Puerto Cabezas 1,835
Extension ucon 645
Augusto Cesar Sandino Intl 2,420
Siuna 1,065
Somoto 220
Waspam 1,245
14-01-57N 084-37-27W
12-38-16N 087-08-18W
13-50-OBN 086-10-01W
12-10-05N 083-03-45W
11-59-30N 083-41-17W
12-06-13N 086-09-27W
13-02-23N 087-35-24W
13-06-32N 086-21-08W
13-08-20N 086-00-01 W Collocated with mil fac
12-55-58N 083-34-39W
14-33-14N 084-00-14W Collocated with mil stor dpt
14-35-22N 083-46-16W
12-25-42N 086-54-16W
12-11-22N 086-21-14W
13-52-35N 084-21-23W Collocated with mil fac
11-48-15N 086-30-40W Major afld collocated with mil fac
11-41-06N 084-27-27W
13-37-22N 086-29-23W Collocated with mil fac
12-28-12N 086-28-13W
14-02-43N 083-23-01W Major afld collocated with mil fac
12-08-28N 086-10-07W International afld and FAS hq
13-43-38N 084-46-40W
13-28-40N 086-35-06W Collocated with mil fac
14-44-21 N 083-58-09W
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81. (S/WN/NOFORN) One FAS aircraft was acquired in an unorthodox manner. In mid-March 1981,
a Bolivian Air Force Arava, reportedly having violated Nicaraguan airspace, landed at Sandino.6 It has
been based there since. A light-toned Nicaraguan Arava had been camouflage painted by June; however,
the Bolivian Arava has retained its Bolivian camouflage.
82. (S/WN/NOFORN) Construction of aircraft revetments west of the FAS section began during late
1980. Seven are complete, and although as many as five have on occasion been occupied by small aircraft,
the size and configuration of the revetments-along with the limited assets and capabilities of the
FAS-suggest future acquisition of new aircraft.
83. (S/WN/NOFORN) Other FAS facilities include several hangars and a barracks area with a Soviet-
style type A obstacle course and Soviet-style physical training area. Most of the aircraft, whether
operational or not, are parked in an open field opposite the hangars. Debris, mostly from the revolution,
has gradually been removed and in some cases recycled. The remnants of a Casa were taken to the
airborne training area at Montelimar in October 1981, and an S-58 fuselage was taken to the special-
troops training facility at jiloa in early 1982. Remnants of three old B-26 aircraft remain.
84. (S/WN/NOFORN) Aeronica, the domestic airline, is also in the process of improving its
equipment. The March 1982 inventory included two DC-6s, two C-47s, one C-46 (a second C-46 is no
longer operational), two Boeing 727s, and one Boeing 720. One of the 727s and the 720 (an old version of
a 707) were acquired in late February or early March 1982.
85. (S/WN/NOFORN) Soviet and Cuban CLASSICs and CARELESSs are often present in the interna-
tional area. In addition, Cuban CURLs have been observed on occasion at the airfield.
86. (S/WN/NOFORN) Airfield defense is provided by three six-position AAA sites occupied by
ZPU-4 AA guns. All three sites were constructed and occupied by August 1980.
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87. (S/WN/NOFORN) Improvement began in April 1980 of Puerto Cabezas Airfield (Figure 43) in
northeast Nicaragua. In late February 1981, construction started on a 645-meter runway extension; the
existing runway was resurfaced between April and August 1981. Work on the extension slowed from May
1981 until late February 1982, when the problem caused by a stream interdicting the extension was solved
and preparations for surfacing were begun. The entire length of the runway should be operational late in
1982. Inasmuch as the existing runway could accommodate the types of aircraft in the current inventory,
the construction of the extension implies the acquisition of newer models or types of aircraft.
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88. (S/WN/NOFORN) C-46s, C-47s, and DC-6s are frequently observed in the operations area. In
early January 1982, a change in activity related to regional hostilities was .observed. From then until) mid-
February, one COLT, one S-58, and one or two O-2s were consistently present. The COLT was observed
practicing takeoffs on the 900-meter crosswind runway on 7 and 8 February. the COLT
was at Palo Yumpa, a destroyed Miskito village along the Rio Coco, and the S-58 was at Waspam.
Subsequently, the COLT and the S-58 were observed at Sandino, and the COLT later returned to Puerto
Cabezas. In mid-March a CURL, probably Cuban, was observed for the first time at Puerto Cabezas.I
89. (S/WN/NOFORN) Airfield defense is provided by a four-position AAA site occupied by ZIPU-4.
The site was added near the operations area in late 1980.
90. (S/WN/NOFORN) All activity at Montelimar Airfield (Figure 17) in southwestern Nicaragua had
been related to artillery training (Section 1) until July 1981. At that time expansion of the parking apron
began. By late September, airborne training devices, including a harness stock and parachute landing fall
(PLF) platforms, were added to an area south of the west end of the runway (Figure 44). Parachuted have
occasionally been observed drying in this area.In late October a fuselage mockup converted fro ` the
remains of a Casa Aviocar C-212 was added to the training area. In mid-November, a COLT was observed
at the west end of the airfield and on several occasions one Casa Aviocar C-,212 has been present.
91. (S/WN/NOFORN) Excavations for a POL facility were begun in late January 1982; 15 POL
cylinders had been placed in the excavations by mid-February and covered with earth by mid-March.
92. (S/WN/NOFORN) Construction of a new runway at Bluefields (Figure 45) in southeastern
Nicaragua began in March 1981. Although the area for the runway had been cleared prior to the
revolution, the project was apparently abandoned and the cleared area had then become badly erolded.
93. (S/WN/NOFORN) Construction progress during the last year has been extremely slow.I Little
activity has been observed at the existing runway; however, a C-46 is occasionally present and al Casa
Aviocar C-212, a HIP, and a COLT were each observed once during the latter part of 1981.
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94. (S/WN/NOFORN) At Los Brasiles Airfield, northwest of Managua, from 25 to 45 small civil
aircraft are usually present. Occasional evidence of pilot training has been observed.
Papalonal
95. (S/WN/NOFORN) Papalonal Airfield, a remote agricultural airstrip that was extended and
improved during late 1980 and early 1981, was reportedly implicated in arms trafficking during early 1981.5
Since April 1981, however, it has been abandoned. The parking aprons and the dispersal parking area, the
latter with a fenceline across the access, have become overgrown; at least one hangar has partially
collapsed (Figures 46 and 47).
96. (S/WN/NOFORN) El Rosario Airfield is on the northwest side of Cosiguina Peninsula. Aircraft
have never been observed on the airstrip, which appears to be used primarily for agricultural purposes;
however, between August 1980 and February 1981 the airstrip was extended by 300 meters.
97. (S/WN/NOFORN) Jinotega, Monte Carmelo, Ocotal, and Somoto Airfields are near military
barracks areas; La Tronquera Airfield, which formerly supported a lumber operation, is adjacent to a
recently constructed military storage depot (see Section 7).
98. (S/WN/NOFORN) Chinandega and Leon, two of the larger cities in western Nicaragua, are each
served by airfields which house numerous small civil aircraft.
99. (S/WN/NOFORN) Bonanza, Siuna, and Monte Carmelo Airfields are in mining communities;
Comana and El Portillo Airfields are agricultural strips; El Bluff, Esteli, Karawala, Nueva Guinea, and
Waspam Airfields serve small communities; Lecus Airfield supports a lumber camp; Corn Island Airfield,
primarily used for agricultural purposes, is on an island 40 nm east of the Caribbean coast. During March
1982, construction of a new airfield, La Rosita Probable Airfield was begun southwest of
the mining community of La Rosita. Construction was in the early stages; however, when completed, the
runway will be approximately 2,000 meters long. The construction equipment in use appeared to have
been transported from Puerto Cabezas Airfield, 60 nm to the east.
Section 6. Port Facilities and Shipping Activity
100. (S/WN/NOFORN) Seven Nicaraguan ports are listed in Table 8 and located on Figure 48; the
berthing and cargo-handling capabilities of each are summarized in Table 9.
101. (S/WN/NOFORN) Corinto Port Facilities (Figure 49), on the Pacific coast in northwestern
Nicaragua, is Nicaragua's largest and most modern port. Commercial containerized transloading is usually
observed. The port is connected by highway and railroad to major Nicaraguan cities, nearly all of which
are in the western part of the country.
Puerto Sandino and San Juan del Sur
102. (S/WN/NOFORN) The two other Pacific coast ports are Puerto Sandino (Figure 50), in an
estuary 25 nm west of Managua, and San Juan del Sur (Figure 51), 15 nm north of the Nicaraguan-Costa
Rican border. Although each is small and appears to serve its local area primarily, both are connected to
the major highway system in the west.
103. (S/WN/NOFORN) The sparsely populated eastern half of Nicaragua has a limited transporta-
tion network. There are no rail connections, and although a second road is under construction, only one
all-weather road connects the eastern and western halves of the country. The eastern terminus of this
road is at Rama, a small but significant river port on the Rio Escondido. El Bluff Port (Figure 52) is on a
peninsula at the mouth of the Rio Escondido on the Caribbean coast. Since no roads connect the
peninsula to the mainland, small ships arriving from the east stop at El Bluff to take on a pilot for the 54-
nm upriver transit to Rama (Figure 53). Rama can conveniently handle only ships with a shallow draft or
relatively small roll-on/roll-off ships. Therefore, larger merchant ships (merships) must transfer cargo at El
Bluff for transshipment to and from Rama. Most cargo observed at Rama is contained in trailers
convenient for transloading and for transfer by road to and from the west. For trans-Atlantic/Caribbean
shipping, this river and highway network is the only alternative to transit through the Panama Canal.
(Continued p.53)
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 SALVAOR
PACIFIC OCEAN
ITEMS KEYED TO TABLE 8
I0 -i 50
NAUTICAL MILES
Bluefields
Corinto
El Bluff
Puerto Cabezas
Puerto Sandino
Rama
San Juan del Sur
e
COSTA RICA
s
FIGURE 48. PORT FACILITIES IN NICARAGUA
Table 8.
Port Facilities in Nicaragua
(Items keyed to Figure 48)
This table in its entirety is classified SECRET/WNINTEL/NOFORN
Item Installation Name
LAGO DE
NICARAGUA
ALL-WEATHER
ROAD
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84 9
Coordinates
'IC T-4302
?L --
12-01-20N 083-44-58W
12-28-50N 087-10-07W
11.59-40N 083-40-39W
14-01-01 N 083-22-59W
12-11-59N 086-45-53W
12-08-40N 084-15-32W
11-14-58N 085.52.34W
1 Z'OO'-
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Table 9.
Nicaraguan Port Capabilities
This table in its entirety is classified SECRET/WNINTEL/NOFORN
Port Space
Corinto 607-m quay 300- x 140-m Quayside
104-m pier open stor container
area crane, 3
yard cranes
San Juan 45- x 35-rn mole Open stor Lighters
del Sur 133-rn quay area yard cranes
El Bluff 150-rn quay
Rama 12.5-m-wide
landing ramp
(river 120 m wide)
Bluefields 50- x 25-m
T-head pier
Puerto 675-rn pier
Cabezas
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Berthing Storage Cargo
Area Handling
Equipment
Transit
Sheds/
Warehouses
2 large Dolphin Hwy and rail Primarily commercial,
double-depth and stor to major . containerized cargo;
transit sheds tanks western cities main Nicaraguan port
No open - 5 yard
stor area cranes
No open
stor area
2 transit
sheds, 1
large double-
depth
warehouse
3 large
warehouses, 1
fac and
warehouse
pipeline
3 transit Pier and
sheds stortanks
Open Wparking t yard crane,
areas 1 truck-
mounted "
crane -
None
None in
immediate
pier area
Yard crane
None
Stor tanks
in town
None
None None
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Rail line
runs length of
pier to
industrial
/warehouse
area in town
POL Transportation
Facilities Connections
PQL stor
area upriver
to western
Nicaragua
town, limited
road connections
Remarks
Small pier Hwy connection Merships must anchor
and 1 to Inter- in harbor and
stor tank American transload using
Highway Iighters serves
local area
POL stor - Hwy to major - - Letters FSLN on one
tank and pumping western cities warehouse roof, serves
station nearby; local area
connected to
Collocated with Located on a peninsula;
small afld, ship-to-ship transfer
eastern point; boarding point
end of Rio for river pilots
Escondido Route
All-weather hwy - Port on Rio
Escondido can handle
coastal freighters and
small roll on /roll off ships-
Afid south of Local traffic only;
town barges
bring in cargo
Afid west of Serves local area
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Bluefields
104. (S/WN/NOFORN) The port at Bluefields (Figure 54), 5 nm west of El Bluff, is small and handles
primarily local traffic. Barges, loaded with trailers or tractor-trailers, have been observed on several
occasions coming from Rama to Bluefields and appear to be a major means of resupply for the area.
Puerto Cabezas
105. (S/WN/NOFORN) Puerto Cabezas (Figure 55), on the northeast coast, is limited as a commer-
cial port by lack of road or railroad transportation. Nicaraguan merships make frequent transits between
Rama and Puerto Cabezas. Until the east/west, all-weather road between Matagalpa and Puerto Cabezas
(shown on Figure 48) is completed, the area will continue to depend on shipping for resupply.
Shipping Activity
106. (S/WN/NOFORN) Seven Nicaraguan ships (Figures 56 through 62) have been identified and
their movements monitored; data on these ships is summarized in Table 10. The roll-on/roll-off ships
Aracely and Nicarao are usually observed at El Bluff, Rama, or Puerto Cabezas; however, both have been
observed in Cuba. Prior to May 1981, these Nicaraguan ships were observed in Havana at La Habana
Shipyard Mambisa Since May, however, commercial piers have been used.
Observations of the Nicarao and Aracely in Cuba are given in Table 11.
107. (S/WN/NOFORN) Cuban ships have been observed at Rama and El Bluff, also. The Dorado, a
Delfin-class tuna clipper, was at Rama in mid-February and early March 1981 and at El Bluff in early June.
The Batalla de Yaguajay, a refrigerated cargo ship, was at Rama in mid-July 1981.
108. (S/WN/NOFORN) No direct evidence of weapons shipments has been observed; however, the
addition to the Nicaraguan inventory of ZU-23 AA guns, ML-20/A-19 guns/howitzers, T-54/55 tanks, BTR-
60 APCs, and GSP heavy ferries during a period of increased shipping activity at Rama and El Bluff implies
such shipments. This increased shipping activity included the arrival of an Algerian mership, the Ibn Siraj,
moored alongside the Aracely near El Bluff in early May 1981. Subsequently, the Aracely made several
transits to Rama. The transloading of sensitive and/or unusual cargo was indicated by the following: the
unusual presence at El Bluff Airfield of two 0-2 aircraft coincident with the arrival of the Algerian ship in
early May and again in late May/early June and the presence of a helicopter, probably an S-58, at Rama
Port in early June. These aircraft, usually based at Sandino, may have transported officials to supervise
cargo handling and logistics.
109. (S/WN/NOFORN) A more direct association can be made from the transfer of 57mm ZIS-2 AT
guns to Puerto Cabezas Military Camp. These guns, not previously observed in eastern Nicaragua, were at
the military base shortly after the Aracely had arrived from Rama and El Bluff in early July 1981.
110. (S/WN/NOFORN) The Nicarao has been moored at the town of Rama since December 1981,
with the exception of a transit to Puerto Cabezas and back in mid-February 1982. The Aracely has been
moored at Rama since early January (Figure 64).
111. (S/WN/NOFORN) The tanker, a support ship, has often been observed providing fuel to
fishing boats at Bluefields and to merships at Rama. It has also been observed at a POL facility just beyond
Rama port, at El Bluff, and at Puerto Cabezas.
112. (S/WN/NOFORN) Coastal freighter A has been active since mid-January 1982. It has been
observed at Puerto Cabezas and El Bluff, as well as at Rama Port, the POL facility near the port, and a
secondary pier in town. Since January it has made four transits between Rama and Puerto Cabezas.
113. (S/WN/NOFORN) Coastal freighter B, which has been observed since June 1979, was usually at
either Puerto Cabezas or Lamblaya, a small village and river landing south of Puerto Cabezas. However, in
May and August 1981 it was in the Rama area, and from late February to late March 1982 it was moored at
Bluefields Deepwater, a fish factory on an island near the mouth of the Rio Escondido.
114. (S/WN/NOFORN) Shipping activity on the Pacific coast centers around Corinto. Several
hundred East German and Soviet trucks have been delivered to Corinto, and although not observed on
imagery, six AN-2 COLTs and two HIPs were reportedly delivered to Corinto aboard Soviet merships.7
115. (S/WN/NOFORN) Since late 1981, the number of Soviet and Cuban merships at Corinto has
increased. Table 12 includes dates and names or classes of Cuban and Soviet ships observed at Corinto.
116. (S/WN/NOFORN) The Nicaraguan mership Monimbo, formerly Cuban-owned, is an interna-
tional carrier that occasionally returns to Corinto, most recently in March 1982.8
117. (S/WN/NOFORN) On one occasion mership activity was observed at San Juan del Sur. The
Opal Islands, a Cuban mership that had called at ports in North Korea, Japan, and China, was present in
the harbor in early March 1982.
118. (S/WN/NOFORN) The ferry described in Table 10 is usually observed at El Capulin on the east
side of Cosiguina Peninsula. From March until July 1981, it was present at Corinto. On two occasions in
late 1981, a Nicaraguan Dabur patrol boat was observed near the ferry in the Gulf of Fonseca near El
Capulin (Figure 62).
(Continued p.6 0)
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Table 12.
Cuban and Soviet Ships at Corinto, Nicaragua
This table in its entirety is classified SECRET/WNINTEL/NOFORN
Flag
Type
Sov
Arkhangelsk-class
Mership
Sov
Irkutsk-class
Mership
Sov
Leninogorsk-class
Mership
Cuban
Julio Antonio Melia
Mership
Cuban
Cerro Pelado
Mership
Sov
Split-class
Tanker
Cuban
Palma Mocha
Mership
Cuban
XIII Congresso
Mership
Sov
Novgorod-class
Mership
Sov
Irkutsk-class
Mership
Sov
Latvia (goodwill tour)
Passenger ship
Sov
Novgorod-class
Mership
Cuban
Bolivar-class
Mership
Sov
Novgorod
Mership
Sov
Split-class
Tanker
Sov
Magnitogorsk
Roll-on/roll-off
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Table 13.
Logistics Facilities in Nicaragua
(Items keyed to Figure 65)
This table in its entirety is classified SECRET/WNINTEL/NOFORN
1
San Martin Stor Dpt
2
La Primavera Stor Dpt
3
La Tronquera Stor Dpt
4
La Union POL Product Stor Army
5
Tipitapa Armor Repair Fac
12-11-29N 086-20-15W
12-09-1ON 086-12-52W
14-33-49N 084-00-38W
12-46-30N 086-14-30W
12-12-40N 086-06-OOW
119. (S/WN/NOFORN) The Nicaraguan navy includes three Dabur patrol boats. Two are based at a
small repair facility north of the port area at Corinto, and the third is based at El Bluff. Four Dabur boats
were reportedly purchased from Israel in 1978.9 No other ships or boats assigned to the Nicaraguan navy
have been identified on imagery.
Section 7. Logistics Facilities
120. (S/WN/NOFORN) Logistics facilities identified in Nicaragua include three storage depots, a
POL storage facility, and a small armor repair facility (Table 13 and Figure 65).
San Martin Storage Depot
121. (S/WN/NOFORN) San Martin Storage Depot, formerly a commercial facility comprising seven
warehouses, is 1.5 nm east of Los Brasiles Airfield. In August 1980, clearing was first observed; by late
October, two barracks and a support building had been completed and three guard towers added along
the wall enclosing the facility. A W-50 truck and as many as four tractor-trailers are occasionally present.
La Primavera Storage Depot
122. (S/WN/NOFORN) La Primavera Storage Depot, 2 nm west of Sandino Airfield, consists of an
administration building, two barracks, and one large warehouse. The entire facility is enclosed by a wall
with a guard tower at each corner. In addition, the warehouse is secured separately with a guardpost at
the entrance. This depot was part of a factory complex that was damaged heavily during the revolution.
Construction and renovation began in November 1979 and were completed during the first half of 1980.
During mid-1980 12 or 13 commercial trailers were at the warehouse. From late 1980 through early 1981,
as many as 18 W-50 trucks and six box-bodied trailers were present. Since that time activity has decreased,
and four or fewer W-50 trucks have been parked near the administration building.
La Tronquera Storage Depot
123. (S/WN/NOFORN) La Tronquera Storage Depot is a facility with nine bunkered storage areas
under construction immediately north of La Tronquera Airfield. This area, formerly used in a lumber
operation, is near the main road connecting Puerto Cabezas on the coast and Leimus on the northern
border. Construction of the bunkers was first observed in late 1981. By early March 1982, defensive
positions had been emplaced around the perimeter and five W-50 trucks and approximately 250
individuals were observed in the storage area.
La Union POL Storage Facility Army
124. (S/WN/NOFORN) La Union POL Storage Facility Army was under construction by October
1981 in a mountainous area near a dam 37 nm north of the city of Managua. In November, approximately
100 POL cylinders were placed in a large, curved excavation; by March, the cylinders had been vented
and covered with earth. The total capacity of this facility, when it is complete, will be approximately
1,000,000 gallons.
Tipitapa Armor Repair Facility
125. (S/WN/NOFORN) Tipitapa Armor Repair Facility is a small installation 10 nm northeast of
Managua. Maintenance/repairs of Staghound armored scout cars appears to be the usual activity,
although three probable T-54/55 tanks were present in late 1981. Repair facilities are extremely limited.
126. (S/WN/NOFORN) Three barracks were constructed between March and August 1981, and in
mid-March 1982, three V-shaped trenches were dug just north of the facility. As many as four W-50 trucks
and 17 Staghound scout cars are usually present. The scout cars may be checked-out at nearby Lake
Managua Training Area (Section 2).
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DoD. TPC. Sheets K-25B and K-25C, scale 1:500,000 (UNCLASSIFIED)
DoD. Joint Operations Group. Sheets ND 16-8, -10, -11, -12, -15, -16, and 17-5, -9, and -13; NC 16-3, -4, -8, and 17-
5; scale 1:250,000 (UNCLASSIFIED)
1. Dept of State. US Embassy, Managua, Message A-24, Nicaraguan Military Data, 3 Nov 81 (CONFIDENTIAL)
2. NPIC. Z-20154/81, IAR-0193/81, Tank Battalion Being Formed in Nicaragua (5), Sep 81 (SECRET/WNINTEL/-
NOFORN)
3. NPIC. Z-14549/82, IAR-0036/82, Special Troops Training Facility-Jiloa, Nicaragua (S), Apr 82 (SECRET/WNIN-
TEL/NOFORN)
4. DIA. Defense Intelligence Summary 55-14 A, "Nicaragua: Aircraft Crash (U)," p 18, 25 Feb 82 (TOP SECRET
CODEWORD/NOFORN/NOCONTRACT*)
5. DIA. DIADIN 2-2E, Nicaragua: Airfield (U), 2 Jan 81 (SECRET/WNINTEL/NOFORN/NOCONTRACT~
6. FBIS. PA281735, Managua Radio Sandino (in Spanish), Bolivian Plane Held for Violating Airspace, Mar 81
(UNCLASSIFIED)
7. NOSIC. 011959Z Jul 81, Significant Mership Activity Supplement (SMAS)-Initial Delivery of Soviet Aircraft to
Nicaragua (TSR), 312034Z Aug 81 (TOP SECRET CODEWORD **)
8. FBIS. PA270504, Havana International Service (in Spanish), Cuban Vessel Donated to Nicaragua, Feb 80
(UNCLASSIFIED)
9. Nicaragua's New Dabur Class Patrol Boats (U), 5 Jul 78 (CONFIDENTIAL)
* Extracted information is classified SECRET/WNINTEL/NOFORN/NOCONTRACT.
** Extracted information is classified SECRET/NOFORN
NPIC. Z-14557/82, IAR-0047/82, Road Construction Matagalpa-Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua (5), Apr 82 (SE-
CRET/WNINTEL/NOFORN)
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