 The government realised the FMLN's numbers were actually much higher than they had initially estimated and they were getting more and better weaponry through Nicaragua.They knew that, with their current resources, they could never entirely wipe the guerrillas in the mountains and the rural zones they controlled.On the other hand, it was clear that the FMLN would never be able to take over the army in open combat, and that civilians were not willing to join their ranks in an all-out assault.