Soviet Arms to Managua: 19,000 Tons

WASHINGTON —  The Soviet Union exported about $515 million worth of military equipment to Nicaragua last year, the second highest total since the Kremlin began weapons deliveries in 1980, according to a new U.S. government report.

The report says the 1988 delivery of 19,000 tons of equipment came during 68 ship visits to Nicaraguan ports, an average of about one every six days.

The unclassified analysis, compiled by intelligence agencies, said the peak year for Soviet arms shipments was 1986, when the Sandinistas received $550 million worth of equipment.

That was also the last year Congress approved military aid for the Nicaraguan Contras.