LIMA, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra said Friday that his country will not give in to terrorism after one column of the Shining Path guerrilla group was dismantled.
"Firm and clear political decisions produced this blow against terrorism," said Vizcarra during an event for Armed Forces Day. "This government will not cede a millimeter in the fight against terrorism."
The remark came two days after Interior Minister Mauro Medina announced one column of the Shining Path group that was active in the Valley of the Apurimac, Ene and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM) in southern Peru had been dismantled.
During operations against the guerrilla group, forces engaged in a shootout with Shining Path members in the village of Virgen Casa, Haunta province. One alleged leader of the armed group, known as "Basilio," was killed.
"We will intensify our actions until we have pacified the entire VRAEM," said Vizcarra.
The president thanked the Armed Forces who "have always been at our side during difficult times."
According to the authorities, the remnants of Shining Path, a once-powerful rebel movement in Peru, still operate in the mountain wilderness of VRAEM.
