Peru: A Victory for Shining Path Rebels

An Oct. 6 rebel attack that destroyed helicopters belonging to Peruvian hydrocarbons transporter Transportadora de Gas del Peru has worsened the Peruvian government's already difficult political position. The attack was carried out at an airfield in Kiteni, Peru, by members of the country's left-wing guerrilla group, Shining Path. Just hours after the attack, Transportadora de Gas del Peru CEO Ricardo Ferreiro was summoned to an emergency meeting with Peruvian Prime Minister Juan Jimenez and Peru's defense, energy and interior ministers. Media reports citing sources close to Ferreiro indicated that Ferreiro requested during the meeting that his company be allowed to assume responsibility for its own security. It is very likely that the purpose of Shining Path's recent attacks on hydrocarbon assets was to create just such a scenario by discrediting government forces.