New escalation of violence
Between 1987 and 1993, Peru experienced a new escalation of violence provoked by the expansion of the PCP-Sendero Luminoso into new regional scenarios. The conflict acquired a national character, with a peak of intensity in 1989 that remained high until the capture of Abimael Guzmán in 1992.
From 1987 onwards, there was an upsurge in violence that reached another peak in 1989 and remained at relatively high levels until 1992. This new escalation was provoked by the expansion of the PCP-Sendero Luminoso's actions into new regional scenarios, in what they called the 'leap to strategic balance'. The conflict acquired a more national character, extending to more and more parts of the country. The gap between the victims caused by the PCP-SL and the agents of the State increased notably from 1987 onwards, with the PCP-SL being responsible for a significantly greater number of victims.