Self-Identified Contras Attack Sandinistas Returning from Anniversary, 5 Dead

Nicaragua's Sandinista Revolution celebrated its 35th anniversary this weekend. Sunday morning, the celebration was met with bloodshed as buses carrying members and supporters was ambushed killing four people and injuring 24 en route from Matagalpa to Estelí. While on the Inter-American Highway, men opened fire in what reports are calling a preemptive attack. Another attack in San Ramon, Matagalpa resulted in the death of a 19 year old youth.

Instantly, Vilma Argentina Gómez (47), Esther Lidia Vázquez Barreda (28), German Adrián MartínezMéndez (27), and Yader Francisco Sáenz Potoy (22) died from bullet wounds. Another bus leaving the Sandinista celebrations heading from Ocotal to Managua was stopped at 6:30am by self-proclaimed armed contras. They threatened passengers and tagged the bus with the mark of the contra, FDN-380.

While official reports have not identified the perpetrators of these attacks, an anti-Sandinista group has claimed responsibility via Facebook.

President Daniel Ortega and leader of the Sandinista National Liberation Front, has yet to address the attacks publicly.

 

teleSUR-Nicaragua Dispatch-Voa News