Shining Path rebels attack Peru army outpost in coca-producing highlands, killing 1 soldier

Associated Press

Last update: November 5, 2009 - 8:08 PM

LIMA, Peru - Peru's defense minister says Shining Path rebels attacked a military outpost in the country's coca-producing highlands, killing one soldier and wounding three.

The post is in Vizcatan, in southern Ayacucho province, long a jungle stronghold for a 350-strong rebel faction.

Peru's military dislodged the rebels in an offensive last year, but have since lost 41 soldiers and six police officers in the region. The rebel death toll is unknown.

Defense Minister Rafael Rey said Thursday that the rebels use superior knowledge of the terrain to constantly harass army outposts.

The Shining Path faded after the 1992 capture of its leader, Abimael Guzman, but isolated highland bands are growing with Peru's drug trade.

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