Seizure of the Japanese Ambassador's Residence by the MRTA

The MRTA took over the Japanese Ambassador's Residence located on block two of Prescott Avenue, San Isidro, on December 17, 1996 at approximately 8:10 p.m. during a reception for the Japanese Emperor's birthday. There were about 600 people. The main objective was to obtain the release of MRTA detainees. They demanded a change in economic policy, release of MRTA prisoners, transfer to the central jungle with guarantors and payment of war taxes. They gradually freed women, the elderly, the disabled and people with no direct links to the Government. Seventy-one hostages remained: businessmen, diplomats, retired and active military officers, ministers and civil servants. The hostages suffered from overcrowding, lack of water and electricity, uncertainty and isolation. The ICRC provided humanitarian aid. On April 22, 1997, the Chavín de Huántar operation was carried out: special forces entered through tunnels, rescued all the hostages but killed the spokesman Carlos Giusti Acuña, Commander Juan Valer Sandoval, Lieutenant Raúl Jiménez Chávez and the 14 MRTA members.