today commemorates the 27th anniversary of the Chavin de Huantar Operation, which rescued hostages held captive at the Japanese ambassador's residence in Lima.
The military mission was regarded as successful. A total of 72 hostages were released thanks to said operation.
Chavin de Huantar operation described step-by-step
The operation took place 26 years ago with the aim of freeing 72 hostages held captive for 126 days by 14 Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA) terrorists.
December 17, 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 as hostage 700 guests attending the diplomat's birthday bash.
December 17, 1996
Then-President 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.
December 18, 1996
First hostage releases
The first released hostages included Canadian, German, and Greek ambassadors, as well as a Peruvian diplomat and the French Cultural Attaché.
December 18, 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.
December 22, 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.
April 22, 1997
Release of hostages
The Chavin de Huantar rescue mission took place that day. The military action was regarded as successful and brave.
April 22, 1997
One hostage, two commandos, and 14 terrorists died
A total of 72 people were released in that action.
Supreme Magistrate Carlos Giusti was the only hostage who passed away on that date. Two commandos, Juan Valer and Raul Jimenez, died on duty.
On the other hand, 14 members of the terrorist group Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA) were taken down during the operation.
(END) RMCH/RMB