In the Eye of the Storm: An Ayacucho Trip Report, Part I
Ambassador Quainton describes in detail the situation of political violence and insurgency in Ayacucho, detailing the historical roots of the region and the current political and military situation. He notes that Ayacucho is of primary psychological importance to both Sendero Luminoso and the Peruvian government, even though it is of little strategic value. The document notes growing complaints that the leaders of the “rondas” (civil defense patrols) are often thugs and narco-traffickers. It also discusses allegations that the police kidnap young men, accuse them of terrorism and then ransom them to their families