CID Delegation Witnessed Operation Chavín de Huántar in Peru

An outstanding delegation of the Inter-American Defense College (IADC), based in Washington D.C., United States, composed of officers from the Armed Forces, police forces and civilian officials from 14 nations, witnessed the recreation of the historic military operation Chavín de Huántar. This important event took place in the facilities of the replica of the Japanese Embassy Residence, located in the district of Chorrillos, Peru.

The delegation was composed of representatives from countries such as the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Guatemala, Bahamas and Peru. During the visit, the participants learned first-hand the tactical and strategic details of the world's most successful rescue operation, which took place on April 22, 1997. On that historic date, elite commandos of the Peruvian Armed Forces put an end to 126 days of kidnapping of 72 hostages, who were in the hands of the terrorist group MRTA.

The reenactment included the exhibition of operational maneuvers and an informative display that allowed visitors to understand the high level of professionalism, discipline and bravery demonstrated by the Peruvian commandos. The members of the IADC delegation did not hesitate to express their admiration for the operational capacity of the Peruvian Armed Forces, highlighting the bravery of the heroes who participated in such a risky mission.

The delegation was led by U.S. Major General Richard J. Heitkamp, current director and commander of the IADC, together with Peruvian Army Brigadier General José Reátegui Aching and other high-ranking military and academic authorities.

The delegation's agenda also included a visit to the National Civil Defense Institute (INDECI) and the National Emergency Operations Center (COEN), where they were received by Major General EP (r) Juan Carlos Urcariegui Reyes and his management team. During this stage, a presentation was given on "Evolution, role, emergency levels and national and international humanitarian aid", followed by a tour of the facilities, highlighting the earthquake simulator vehicle, a fundamental tool in preparing for natural disasters.

This visit is part of the IADC Class 64 field trip, corresponding to the Master's Degree in Hemispheric Security and Defense, an accredited academic program that strengthens knowledge and cooperation among American nations.

The Inter-American Defense College, an organ of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Inter-American Defense Board (IADB), reaffirms with these activities its commitment to promote international collaboration in security, defense and risk management. Peru, as an active member of the OAS and the IADB, continues to demonstrate its regional leadership in these issues of great relevance to hemispheric stability.