reported on Wednesday that the VRAEM Special Command neutralized in Junin region the terrorist criminal known by the alias “Richard,” one of the main ringleaders within the Shining Path terrorist organization’s structure in that area of the country.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Joint Command said that intelligence gathered by the Joint Command of the Armed Forces (CCFFAA), the Anti-Terrorism Directorate (DIRCOTE), the Intelligence Division (DIVREINT) of the VRAEM Police Front, as well as the Joint Intelligence and Special Operations Command (CIOEC), identified the presence of the terrorist known by the alias “Richard.”

He was located in the Hamaca sector (Alto Mantaro Population Center), Vizcatan del Ene district, Satipo province, Junin region.

“According to intelligence operations, these individuals had been carrying out production and supply work for the forces of the Shining Path terrorist organization,” the CCFFAA said in its statement.

In response to this threat, the statement added that Operation Quiñones, a high-complexity counterterrorism operation led by the VRAEM Special Command, was launched on July 23.

“Today, July 29, 2026, at approximately 9:30 a.m. (local time), there was an armed confrontation with terrorist criminals. As a result of this action, the terrorist criminal known as ‘Richard’ was neutralized. He was a member of the political bureau of the main leadership within the structure of the Shining Path terrorist organization,” the statement said.

Likewise, the Joint Command of the Armed Forces reported that Army Third Sergeant Jose Parinango Huaman was wounded by gunfire during the confrontation.

“He is in stable condition and will be transferred to the Central Military Hospital (HMC) for recovery,” it indicated.

The Joint Command also reported that, during the extraction of the Special Operations Groups, the Army’s Mi-171 helicopter was struck by approximately 18 rounds fired from the area where the terrorists were located.

“The impacts did not compromise the safety of the crew or the aircraft, which returned safely to its base,” it noted.

Weapons and items seized

The VRAEM Special Command reported the seizure of the following weapons and items during the operation:

01 Galil rifle

05 loaded rifle magazines

03 detonators for explosive devices

01 AICOM communication device

01 combat knife

01 pair of tactical gloves

01 tactical shoulder bag

01 tactical vest

01 tactical backpack

01 bag containing coca leaves, general medications, and other items

“The VRAEM Special Command reaffirms its unwavering commitment to continue combating terrorism and protecting the security of the population in the VRAEM area,” the statement concluded.