The World : Rebels Cut Salvador Power

Leftist Salvadoran rebels damaged power facilities, blacking out the capital and half the country to protest the government’s new austerity measures, authorities said. It was the third time this year that the insurgents had cut electricity to half the nation. Television and radio stations, banks and other businesses were forced to close when the rebel sabotage paralyzed commerce in San Salvador. The austerity moves include a 50% hike in gasoline prices, a currency devaluation and emergency taxes to fund the war effort.