NCJ Number
140837
Journal
Security Management Volume: 37 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1993) Pages: 33-38
Date Published
1993
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article profiles the history and tactics of the Peruvian terrorist group Sendero Luminoso ("Shining Path"), one of the world's most persistent and violent terrorist groups.
Abstract
After approximately 10 years of recruitment, structuring, and self-examination, the Shining Path launched its war against Peruvian society in July 1980. Its goal is to destroy Peru's governmental and social institutions and replace them with a radical Marxist-Maoist regime. Founded and led by Abimael Guzman, a former philosophy professor, the Shining Path has conducted a relentless campaign of violence and destruction for more than 12 years. It is responsible for the deaths of between 24,000 and 25,000. They have demonstrated that they will use all methods available and will strike any target to achieve their goals. The Shining Path operates in mobile terrorist cells. These units are highly disciplined and are usually led by an experienced cadre commander. A veil of secrecy and a highly compartmentalized structure shields the group from infiltration by government informers and undercover agents. On September 25, 1992, after detailed intelligence work and intense surveillance, Peru's antiterrorist squad stormed a small rented house in a suburb of Lima and captured Abimael Guzman and five of his top lieutenants. Guzman was found guilty of terrorism, high treason, and the organization of subversive groups. He has been sentenced to life in prison without parole. Guzman's imprisonment has dealt a psychological blow to the Shining Path, but retaliatory attacks on police have occurred, so Peru's long nightmare of terrorism may be far from over.