Security forces 11 Aug launched military operation against Shining Path guerillas which led to death of movement’s second-in-command “Comrade Alipio” and 2 others; operation took place in Huanta province in Ayacucho region, traditional Shining Path stronghold.

Following bitter protests over large mining project in northern Cajamarca region, President Humala 4 Dec declared 60-day state of emergency, lifted after Cajamarca governor 13 Dec announced end of mining strike. Dialogue between central and regional govts reinstated 19 Dec. Comrade Artemio, regional leader of weakened Shining Path guerillas, admitted in 6 Dec press interview that armed struggle “no longer possible”, called for political solution. Govt reported over 230 social conflicts in country, mostly over natural resources, mining.

Police 21 Sept announced capture of influential Shining Path commander Brandy Maldonado Vásquez. Several military personnel killed in suspected Shining Path attacks during month, including 2 pilots 3 Sept when rebels shot down helicopter in Acobamba district.

5 killed, including 3 police, in 2 Aug suspected Shining Path rebel attack in Ayacucho department; 3 rebels, 2 soldiers killed in 26 Aug VRAE region clash.

PM Simon and 8 ministers resigned 8 July following June violent indigenous protests that killed dozens; President García 11 July appointed Congress President Velásquez Quesquén as new PM.

Protests by indigenous groups over decrees encouraging private oil, mining and agricultural development in Amazon turned violent: 22 police and some 30 protesters killed, dozens injured in 5 June clash in Amazonas department. Congress 18 June repealed 2 of most controversial decrees; PM Simon 16 June announced will resign when situation “calm”. 1 soldier killed, 4 injured in 6 June suspected Shining Path rebels attack in Ayacucho department; military 9 June launched new offensive against rebels in coca-growing VRAE region.

2 separate suspected Shining Path rebels attacks killed 14 soldiers in Ayacucho department 9 Apr. Army 16 Apr doubled estimated Shining Path size to 600; govt 17 Apr pledged more military spending to boost offensive against rebels in coca-growing VRAE region. Supreme Court 7 April sentenced ex-President Fujimori to 25 years in prison for human rights crimes.

Shining Path rebels early month threatened to “continue and expand” guerilla war; govt said will seek “final defeat” of rebels in 2009, 15 Jan announced creation of militarised zone in central Peru where rebel attacks most frequent.

Suspected Shining Path attacks left 4 police dead, 4 injured 27 Nov in San Martín department; 3 killed, 1 injured 16 Nov in Ayacucho department.

Shining Path rebels launched deadliest attacks in almost a decade: 12 soldiers, 2 civilians killed 10 Oct in Huancavelica province; 2 soldiers killed 14 Oct in Vizcatan. Attacks linked to renewed military offensive against rebels in Vizcatan beginning Aug. Cabinet replaced mid-Oct due to corruption scandal; President Alan Garcia 11 Oct appointed new PM, Yehude Simon, of centre-left PHP party.