National Guard

military organization, Nicaragua

Also known as: Guardia Nacional

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

The National Guard in Nicaragua was historically linked to the Somoza family and played a significant role in the country's political landscape. Trained by U.S. Marines, it was responsible for maintaining order and was instrumental in General Anastasio Somoza Garc\u00eda's rise to power in the late 1930s. The Somoza family's rule, which lasted from 1936 to 1979, saw the National Guard as a key instrument of their authoritarian regime.12

Following the Sandinista revolution in 1979, the National Guard was replaced by the Sandinista People's Army. A constitutional amendment in 1995 renamed this force the Army of Nicaragua, aiming for greater stability and democratization. Nicaragua's political system has been dominated by parties like the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), which overthrew the Somoza regime.342

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Nicaragua
The Somoza years
A Nicaraguan National Guard, trained by the U.S. Marines and commanded by Gen. Anastasio Somoza García, was now responsible for maintaining order in the country. In 1934 high-ranking officers led by Somoza met and agreed to the assassination of Sandino. Somoza then deposed Sacasa with the support…
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A Nicaraguan National Guard, trained by the U.S. Marines and commanded by Gen. Anastasio Somoza García, was now responsible for maintaining order in the country. In 1934 high-ranking officers led by Somoza met and agreed to the assassination of Sandino. Somoza then deposed Sacasa with the support…
Read More