n.a terrorist group formed in Peru in the late 1960s as a splinter group from the communist party of Peru; is among the most ruthless guerilla organizations in the world; seeks to destroy Peruvian institutions and replace them with a Maoist peasant regime; is involved in the cocaine trade
This economic turbulence exacerbated social tensions in Peru and contributed in part to the escalation in violence of the terrorist groups: Shining Path (Sendero Luminoso) and Movimiento Revolucionario Tupac Amaru (MRTA).
First, the police force is tied down dealing with up to a dozen (often violent) demonstrations a day, providing security to dignitaries, or fighting drugs and the remains of SenderoLuminoso, a terrorist group.