In the Eye of the Storm: Report of a Trip to Ayacucho, Part I
Ambassador Quainton describes the situation of political violence and insurgency in Ayacucho, detailing the region's historical roots and the current political and military situation. He notes that Ayacucho is of prime psychological importance to Sendero Luminoso and the Peruvian government, despite being of little strategic value. The document notes increasing complaints that the leaders of the "rondas" (civil defense patrols) are often thugs and drug traffickers. It also analyzes allegations that the police kidnap young men accused of terrorism and then demand ransom from their families.