Andina

Peru: Terrorist remnants' leaders isolated in Vizcatan zone

13:54 | Lima, Apr. 3.

Peru's Defense Minister Jose Huerta on Wednesday announced that brothers Victor and Jorge Palomino —leaders of Shining Path terrorist group's remnants— have been isolated in Vizcatan, a zone within the Valley of Apurimac, Ene, and Mantaro rivers (Vraem).

This means the population living in the surrounding areas can perform their activities in a normal fashion.

"The Quispe Palomino brothers are virtually isolated in the Vizcatan zone. Therefore, the surrounding areas are not affected and the population can carry out activities normally," he told RPP radio and TV station.

Huerta affirmed significant progress has been made in the fight against terrorism but remains invisible because Government strategies cannot be revealed.

Nevertheless, he explained, some indicators reflect the advances, such as the number of districts under a state of emergency.

For instance, 63 districts in Vraem had been declared a state of emergency when Martin Vizcarra took office as President of Peru in March 2018, and that number has dropped to 34 so far this year.

"This progress is quite significant, which means the conflict zone is getting smaller," he pointed out.

Additionally, the government official reported that mixed patrols of Armed Forces personnel and National Police members conduct joint operations against drug traffickers in Vraem.

(END) RMCH/CCR/RMB/MVB

Published: 4/3/2019