TERRORIST GROUP PROFILES DUDLEY KNOX LIBRARY Naval Postgraduate School

Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA)

Description
Traditional Marxist-Leninist revolutionary movement founded in 1983 and formed from remnants of the Movement of the Revolutionary Left, a Peruvian insurgent group active in the 1960s. Aims to establish Marxist regime and to rid Peru of all imperialist elements, primarily US and Japanese influence. Peru's counter-terrorist program has diminished the group's ability to carry out terrorist attacks. MRTA has suffered from infighting, the imprisonment or deaths of senior leaders, and loss of leftist support.

Activities
Previously conducted bombings, kidnappings, ambushes, and assassinations, but recent activity has fallen drastically. In December 1996, 14 MRTA members occupied the Japanese Ambassador's residence in Lima and held 72 hostages for more than four months. Peruvian forces stormed the residence in April 1997 rescuing all but one of the remaining hostages and killing most of the group's leaders. The group has not conducted a significant terrorist operation since and appears more focused on obtaining the release of imprisoned MRTA members.

Strength
Believed to be no more than 100 members, consisting largely of young fighters who lack leadership skills and experience.

Location/Area of Operation
Peru with supporters throughout Latin America and Western Europe. Controls no territory.

External Aid
None