Peru Cops Provoke Rebel Shots Commandos March In Force Despite Pleas From Japan
Provoking gunfire from inside the compound, armed police commandos marched in force Monday outside the Japanese diplomatic residence where leftist rebels hold 72 captives.
The deployment came just hours after Japan urged Peru to show restraint in maneuvers outside the compound, where the Tupac Amaru rebels have held diplomats and business leaders from Japan and other nations for five weeks.
Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto appealed to the Peruvian government “not to go too far. Not thinking of the hostages’ mental state may have an adverse effect.”
Despite Japan’s warnings, four armored personnel carriers rumbled past the compound later Monday, their machine guns trained on the elegant residence seized by the rebels on Dec. 17.
A police helicopter circled overhead as the black-bereted commandos marched to the strains of martial music blasting from speakers. Moments later, the commandos returned and walked at a snail’s pace as they aimed their rifles at the residence.
At least two shots rang out from inside the compound, sending the commandos ducking for cover. Police said one bullet nicked a personnel carrier, but there were no reports of injuries.
A half-hour later, commandos returned for another march past the residence - their fifth of the afternoon.
Police have stepped up maneuvers outside the compound in the past two weeks, leading rebels to complain police are trying to provoke a confrontation to justify storming the compound. On at least five previous occasions, the rebels have fired shots to warn police to keep their distance.
Hostages inside the compound include Japanese Ambassador Morihisa Aoki, Japanese executives, Peru’s foreign and agriculture ministers, police officials and President Alberto Fujimori’s younger brother, Pedro.
Under international law, Japan must give permission for any military action to free the hostages, since the compound is considered Japanese property.
Japan’s vice foreign minister, Sadayuki Hayashi, said Monday that Peru had reaffirmed its commitment to the hostages’ safety.
About 20 Tupac Amaru guerrillas seized more than 500 hostages when they stormed a diplomatic reception inside the compound.
The rebels have freed all but 72 hostages and are demanding the release of at least 300 guerrillas from Peruvian jails.