Scores die in heavy fighting in Salvador

Press, 9 February 1982, Page 8

Scores die in heavy fighting in Salvador

NZPA-Reuter San Salvador

Fighting raged at the week-end in the east of El Salvador where scores of troops and guerrillas have died in almost a week of clashes, military sources have said.

The prolonged gun-battles, which are occasionally heard in the eastern province city of Usulutan. began a week ago. The sources said scores of Government soldiers had died and guerrilla casualties were also high. Correspondents and travellers trying to reach the city were stopped several times by the guerrillas who control parts of the country’s two main highways. Scattered fighting was also reported near the town of San Francisco Gatera and throughout much of .the rugged northern area bordering Honduras.

The United States, concerned by recent guerrilla successes, rushed six helicopters to San Salvador at the week-end to replace those destroyed in a daring attack on a military airbase last month.

The insurgents, bent on toppling the United Statesbacked Government, have stepped up their attacks with seven weeks remaining before a General Election is held.

The Governments in San Salvador and in Washington believe the March 28 poll could help El Salvador rid itself of the chronic political violence which has killed about 30.000 people since the present Government come to power in October. 1979. The election has been boycotted by Leftist political parties and the guerrillas have denounced it as an

American-manipulated sham which will leave power with the Army. President Reagan's decision to commit SUSSS million in emergency military aid has come under heavy fire during a week of congressional hearings in Washington on the El Salvador question.

Many American critics, alarmed by reports of alleged massacres by Government troops, are sceptical of President Reagan’s assertion that human rights have improved in this tiny Central American republic. They also worry that Washington might be tempted to send troops if the civilian-military junta looks like falling.

American officials said they had not discounted any option in what one said was the "decisive battle for Centra! America."