El Salvador Civil War

Photograph 6 of 20

We pass by a clearing with bamboo poles planted in various locations. The bamboos are trigger mechanisms for explosives targeting helicopters. Says Major Azmitia, “A big bird would only have to tap the bamboo to be blown away. Helicopters are extremely vulnerable. The guerrillas use every weapon to bring down a helicopter. Normally they use a rifle. Sometimes they even throw rocks.”