Draft:Operation Danto 88

• Comment: Article does not include in-text citations. Significa liberdade (she/her) (talk) 00:27, 30 May 2024 (UTC)

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Operation Danto 88
Part of Nicaraguan Revolution
Picture of Sandinista People's Army during Operation Danto 88
Date March 3 - 20, 1988 Location near the Nicaraguan-Honduran border Result Nicaraguan Victory United States responds by launching Operation Golden Pheasant. Territorial changes Nicaraguan military incursion into Honduran territory.
Belligerents
Nicaragua Sandinista People's Army	Contras Supported by: United States Honduras
Commanders and leaders
Humberto Ortega Joaquín Cuadra	unknown
Strength
Approx 5,000 Including T-55 BTR-60 BTR-152 Mil Mi-8 Mil Mi-24	several thousand
Casualties and losses
36 Killed 140 Wounded	92 Killed 250-300 Wounded

Operation Danto 88 was a large-scale military offensive carried out by the Sandinista People's Army (EPS) of Nicaragua from March 3 to March 20, 1988. The primary objective was to target and dismantle the Contra rebel forces who were supported by the United States and based near the Nicaraguan-Honduran border.

Objective

The primary objectives of Operation Danto 88 were to weaken the Contra forces, disrupt their supply lines, and force them into negotiations under unfavorable conditions. The operation involved approximately 5,000 Sandinista troops, who executed a series of coordinated attacks using artillery and helicopter gunships. They crossed into Honduran territory to target Contra camps, which were supported by the U.S. and housed thousands of Contra fighters

Execution

The execution of Operation Danto 88 involved around 5,000 Sandinista troops, who undertook a series of complex maneuvers, including air, land, and riverine attacks. Key elements of the operation included:

• Concentration and deployment of troops using both land and river routes.
• Bombardment of Contra positions using artillery and air support from helicopters.
• Surprise attacks on Contra camps to capture or destroy their resources.
• Mining of strategic areas to prevent Contra movements and resupply.

Aftermath

The operation was successful in driving many Contra fighters out of Nicaragua, forcing them to retreat into Honduras. Resulted in significant casualties and disruption of Contra operations. The Sandinistas reported 36 soldiers killed and 140 wounded, while Contra forces suffered substantial losses, including about 92 dead and 250-300 wounded. The success of the operation compelled the U.S. to respond by deploying troops to Honduras under Operation Golden Pheasant, aiming to deter further Sandinista incursions and support the Contra rebels.

Operation Danto 88 also contributed to the eventual signing of the Sapoa Accords in March 1988, which established a ceasefire between the warring factions.

Reference

• https://reviews.ipmsusa.org/review/nicaragua-1961-1990-volume-2-contra-war
• https://www.pope.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/242799/show-of-force-brings-peace-to-south-america/
• https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/03/31/UN-confirms-Nicaragua-invaded-Honduras/5957575787600/
• https://diariobarricada.com/2023/03/03/operacion-danto-88/#:~:text=URL%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fdiariobarricada.com%2F2023%2F03%2F03%2Foperacion,100
• https://orinocotribune.com/operation-danto-breaking-the-yankee-propaganda-apparatus-in-nicaragua/