Simultaneous MRTA raids in five San Martin cities
On May 10, 1991, the MRTA executed simultaneous armed incursions in five cities of San Martin (Juanjuí, Tarapoto, Saposoa, Moyobamba and Rioja) as part of the 'Fernando Valladares Military Campaign'. After the attack on Rioja, they took nine policemen hostage who were later released in exchange for media coverage of their demands.
On May 10, 1991, the MRTA carried out simultaneous armed incursions in five cities in the department of San Martin as part of the 'Fernando Valladares Military Campaign'. This campaign was aimed at criticizing the economic and political conditions imposed by Alberto Fujimori's government. The military actions were executed in a coordinated manner in Juanjuí, Tarapoto, Saposoa, Moyobamba and Rioja. After the attack on Rioja, the MRTA took nine policemen hostage, holding them captive for several days in the Pongo de Caynarachi camp to draw the attention of international organizations. The policemen were later released in exchange for the media disseminating a communiqué addressed to the armed forces demanding a halt to the abuses, torture and disappearances against innocent peasants.