Peru's Shining Path: The Comeback of a Maoist Militant Group?

The Army of Ansar al-Sunnah Army militant group has issued a statement on its Web site vowing to attack coalition forces and Iraqi officials, whom they have accused of being "servants of the crusaders." The attacks will continue until "God's law" prevails, the group threatened. The Shining Path (SP) militant group's growing role as a security force for coca growers and drug traffickers is aiding its modest comeback in southeastern Peru. Revenues derived from the drug trade are allowing the militants to rearm and recruit new members for the first time in a decade. SP does not yet threaten Peru's national security, but the absence of a strong government presence in southeastern Peru and other distant rural regions is creating recruiting opportunities.