In the 1980’s and 1990’s Peru was devastated by terrorism caused by the Maoist group, Sendero Luninoso (Shining Path), and the resulting response by the government of President Alberto Fujimori.
The capture of the group’s leader, Abimael Guzmán, in 1992 in Lima left a leadership vacuum that they never recovered from and the Shining Path almost disappeared.
The key word, though, is “almost.” Disperse groups still exist and operate in an area of Peru known as VRAEM, the Valley of the Rivers Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro.
They have continued to carry out operations in the area and reportedly support themselves through cocaine production.
Yesterday, RPP Noticias reported two dead and five wounded as the result of a terrorist ambush against the patrol of the Joint Intelligence and Special Operations Command, in the heights of the Cuello zone, near Torococha, between the district of Canayre, province of Huanta, region of Ayacucho and Vizcatán del Ene, province of Satipo, region of Junín, in the Valley of the Rivers Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro (VRAEM).
According to RPP sources, the ambush took place after special forces troops found a camp of the remaining Shining Path members of the Quispe Palomino clan.
And, while they were surrounding the camp, one of the troops stepped on a mine, causing six military personnel to be injured. Later, the death of two of them was confirmed.
According to the same source, support forces are currently entering the area, although with difficulty. Tension continues in the area.
I’ve been told that it’s always a good idea to talk to locals if one is considering a hike to the last Inca stronghold of Vilcabamba (also known as “Espiritu Pampa”) to determine if there has been terrorist activity in the region that might pose a danger.
Visiting Vilcabamba was one of my major goals for the past year, but the COVID pandemic put those plans on hold until perhaps next March or April at when the rainy season comes to an end.
