The Chavin de Huantar operation that rescued 72 hostages held captive at the Japanese ambassador's residence in Lima marks its 20th anniversary this week.
The military mission was regarded as successful. Last Thursday, its members were named national heroes by the Peruvian Congress.
A total of 71 people alive were released in that action.
Chavin the Huantar operation described step-by-step
The operation took place 20 years ago with the aim of freeing 72 hostages held captive for 126 days by 14 MRTA terrorists. President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski has honored the heroes who took part in such a successful operation that "hammered the last nail on terrorism's coffin."
17th December 1996
700 people held hostage by MRTA terrorists
Under the lead of Nestor Cerpa Cartolini, the 14 heavily-armed terrorists entered the Japanese ambassador's residence through a hole in a neighbor's house, and took hostage 700 guests attending the diplomat's birthday bash.
17th December 1996
Alberto Fujimori calls a Cabinet meeting
Former President Alberto Fujimori convened a Ministerial Cabinet emergency meeting, which appointed Education Minister Domingo Palermo as the government's negotiator. An hour later, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) succeeded in communicating with the MRTA members to offer humanitarian intermediation.
18th December 1996
First hostage releases
The first released hostages included Canadian, German and Greek ambassadors, a Peruvian diplomat and the French Cultural Attaché.
18th December 1996
Negotiating commission set up
The government set up the Negotiating Commission, chaired by Domingo Palermo. Four seniors were released the same day in the afternoon.
22nd December 1996
72 hostages remained captive
Additional hostages were gradually released until late January, with only 72 remaining, who were held captive until rescued by the Armed Forces.
January 1997
Military rescue plan
The Armed Forces Joint Command assigned Army General Augusto Jaime Patiño to draw up the operational plan.
January 1997
143-commando patrol
Army General Jose Williams Zapata designed the negotiating plan "Nipon 96" at the request of Jaime Patiño. He was then assigned to lead Patrulla Tenaz, a 143-commando patrol that eventually freed the hostages.
22nd April 1997
Release of hostages
Chavin de Huantar rescue mission took place that day. The military action was regarded as successful and brave.
22th April 1997
One hostage, two commandos and 14 terrorists die
A total of 71 people (alive) were released in that action. Nonetheless, the raid also claimed the lives of then Supreme Court Justice Carlos Giusti Acuña, commandos Juan Valer Sandoval and Raul Jimenez, as well as all 14 MRTA members.
(END) CVC/CCR/RMB
Published: 4/21/2017