25 freed in El Salvador, but clashes are costly

Twenty-five hostages being held by left-wing militants were freed Tuesday in El Salvador, a country that appeared on the brink of civil war. But at least 10 people, none of them hostages, were killed and more than 30 wounded in the day's violence, which included two clashes between antigovernment militants and members of the security forces in this capital city. The freed hostages, which included the Spanish ambassador, were unhurt.

Members of the Popular League of Feb. 28 were still holding five hostages inside the Spanish Embassy, however, to back their demands for the release of five imprisoned colleagues.