In November 1983, five community members from San Agustín, Santa Rosa, were disappeared by members of the army. This event occurred during the initial period of military intervention in the Apurimac River Valley, when the Armed Forces were beginning to establish their presence in the area. The disappearance of these …
According to PCP-SL documents, the most numerous and most dangerous paramilitary bands emerged on both banks of the Apurimac River during July 1984, with most forming in January 1985. These gangs grew too rapidly due to the increased concentration of enemy troops in the area. The gangs were made up …
By mid-1985, the Shining Path was in full retreat in the Apurimac River Valley and the Armed Forces together with the DECAS (Defensa Civil Contrasubversiva) had gained control of the valley. The Shining Path themselves recognized their defeat by the 'mesnadas' in the VRA, admitting that the unconsolidated support bases …