Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement or Movimiento Revolucionario Túpac Amaru (MRTA) is a guerrilla movement in Peru. They are named for Tupac Amaru II, an 18th-century rebel leader who was himself named after Tupac Amaru, the last leader of the Incan Empire.
Traditional Marxist-Leninist revolutionary movement formed in 1983 from remnants
of the
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Movement of the Revolutionary Left, a Peruvian insurgent group active in the 1960s.
Aims to establish a Marxist regime and to rid Peru of all imperialist elements
(primarily US and Japanese influence). Peru's counterterrorist program has diminished
the group's ability to carry out terrorist attacks, and the MRTA has suffered
from infighting, the imprisonment or deaths of senior leaders, and loss of leftist
support. Several MRTA members also remain imprisoned in Bolivia.
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 all 14 group members, including the remaining 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.
