The Contras were an anti-Communist organization in Nicaragua. Their tactics involved the destruction of civilian areas. The United States sent them funds until their deadly activities were discovered. Not long after, the Iran-Contra affair occured, in which the Reagan Administration sold weapons to Iran and paid the Contras with the funds from the sales. However, the sales were discovered, and the people involved, particularly Oliver North, were tried and acquitted for their involvement. The Contras disbanded in 1990 after the failed election of their rivals, the Sandanistas.