Ortega forces storm foes’ stronghold

MASAYA, Nicaragua — Forces loyal to President Daniel Ortega asserted control over a key opposition stronghold on Wednesday after a long battle that has sharpened international condemnation and alarm over Nicaragua’s deadly political crisis.

Paramilitaries with assault rifles drove honking through the center of Masaya, south of the capital, and hoisted the flag of Ortega’s ruling Sandinista party over a main square in the flashpoint Monimbo district. It had been hastily cleared of debris from the hours-long fighting that took place Tuesday.

Police were seen driving off with several prisoners in the back of their vehicles.

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