On April 22, 1997, 14 members of the Túpac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA) seized the Japanese ambassador's residence in Lima, Peru, taking 72 hostages, including diplomats, politicians, and businessmen. The hostage crisis lasted 126 days, culminating in a daring rescue operation by Peruvian special forces on April 22, 1997. Codenamed "Operation Chavín de Huántar," the raid involved tunnel warfare and the use of tear gas and flashbang grenades to neutralize the captors. All 72 hostages were freed, while 14 MRTA members were killed and one was captured alive. The operation was widely hailed as a success, showcasing the effectiveness of Peruvian counter-terrorism tactics and the unwavering determination to protect its citizens.
