U.S. Sees Nicaragua Offensive

WASHINGTON — The United States today accused Nicaragua of mounting its largest military offensive ever and said this could be a very serious blow to U.S.-backed Contra rebels. State Department spokesman Charles E. Redman said the buildup by the leftist Sandinista government was sharply at odds with Managua’s expressed willingness to negotiate a cease-fire in the 7-year-old war.

Redman said that “over the last two weeks, it has become apparent that the Sandinista army has been preparing for a major offensive against the Nicaraguan resistance. Based on what we now know, this would appear to be the largest offensive we have seen the Sandinistas undertake.”