United States Department of State, April 2000. Description SL was among the most ruthless terrorist groups formed in the late 1960s by then-university professor Abimael Guzman, on whose teachings most of SL's doctrine is based. Its stated goal is to destroy existing Peruvian institutions and replace them with a peasant revolutionary regime.
Activities Conducted indiscriminate bombing campaigns and selective assassinations.
Detonated explosives at diplomatic missions of several countries in Peru in 1990, including an attempt to car-bomb the US Embassy in December. Approximately 30,000 persons have died since Shining Path took up arms in 1980 in its aim to turn Peru into a Communist state. Although SL continued to clash with Peruvian authorities and military units, armed operations declined in 1999 because recent arrests have decimated the group's leadership. Strength Membership is unknown but estimated to be a few hundred armed militants. SL's strength has been vastly diminished by arrests and desertions.