Salvadorean rebels claim capture of key village

May 10, 1983

Leftist guerrillas said they captured a key hamlet in a battle that could constitute a major setback for the US-backed government. The rebel Radio Farabundo Marti said guerrillas of the Popular Liberation Forces overran the town of Cinquera, 20 miles northeast of San Salvador. The hamlet, located only five miles south of the Cerron Grande hydroelectric dam that produces about half of the nation's power, has resisted such attacks for nearly two years.