Page "National Guard (Nicaragua)" Paragraph 11

After the assassination of opposition leader among the business elites Pedro Chamorro in January 1978, the Nicaraguan public reacted with a series of nationwide strikes and increasing political unrest against the regime.

The National Guard was re-organized and expanded, growing to a force of more than 10, 000, with localized security companies dispersed throughout the country and modern specialized units such as mechanized and engineer battalions, a Presidential Guard, and a reinforced tactical battalion.

The strengthened National Guard continued to tighten its grip but opposition only grew broader and fiercer.

A humiliating hostage crisis ensued in August 1978 when Sandinista rebels led by " Comandante Cero ( Commander Zero )" future Contra leader Eden Pastora took over the National Assembly.

This hostage crisis was the second major action launched by the Sandinistas.