Sendero Luminoso: Case Study in Insurgency
Abstract
The September 1992 capture of Abimael Guzman (Comrade Gonzalo), the terrorist leader of Peru's mysterious Sendero Luminoso, has received a lot of attention. Yet despite Guzman's capture, Sendero Luminoso, Spanish for "Shining Path," remains Peru's largest and most serious security problem. Sendero has grown from a few hundred cadre in 1980 to at least 15,000 active supporters and is now considered the most ruthless terrorist insurgency in Latin America. The insurgents have been responsible for approximately 24,000 deaths and $22 billion in damages to Peru's infrastructure. This article examines the history of Sendero Luminoso, its strategy and tactics, its weaknesses, its involvement in drug trafficking, human rights issues, and the Peruvian Armed Forces' fight against the organization.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA515608
Entities
People
- Daniel W. Fitz-simons
Organizations
- Marine Corps University