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FAB's secret operation in Peru: How Brazilian military rescued 71 hostages in the Amazon jungle
In a secret mission, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) rescued 71 people held hostage by the terrorist group Sendero Luminoso, an action that almost changed the course of history inSouth America in 2003. The operation, in collaboration with the Peruvian government, is still little known to the public, but it reveals the complexity and precision of Brazil's military actions on foreign territory.
The night it all began
On June 9, 2003, at the Anápolis Air Base, in Goiás, a group of eight FAB military personnel boarded an aircraft Embraer R-99B, one of the most advanced reconnaissance aircraft at the time.
What they didn't know yet was that they were about to take part in one of the riskiest missions of their careers. The order for the flight was issued without details of the destination or objective, and the crew, made up of pilots and systems technicians, simply followed the takeoff instructions.
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At 20:40 p.m. on that Monday, the Embraer 145 RS/AGS, known as R-99B in the FAB, departed from the base in Anápolis. After an initial stop for refueling, the aircraft continued to Porto Velho and then to Lima International Airport, in Peru.
A few hours later, the Brazilian military would discover that their presence was requested by order of the Peruvian president, Alejandro Toledo Manrique, on a hostage rescue mission.
Peru asked Brazil to save hostages from guerrillas
Upon arriving in Lima, the Brazilian military were received by representatives of the Peruvian Air Force (FAP), who revealed the purpose of the operation. Employees of Techint, an Argentine company responsible for the construction of a gas pipeline in the Ayacucho region, had been captured by Sendero Luminoso guerrillas.
The group, which was demanding weapons and a ransom of US$200, included three members of the Peruvian National Police among the hostages. The situation was urgent, and the FAB's cutting-edge technology was the best alternative to locate the terrorists' hideout.
FAB began an unprecedented operation that would demonstrate Brazil's strength in defending its territory and its allies in South America
The Embraer R-99B had state-of-the-art tools for reconnaissance missions. Equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Hyperspectral Scanner (HSS), Multispectral Scanner (MSS) and Optical Infrared Sensor (OIS), the aircraft could map large areas of the forest and track radio and cellular transmissions, even under adverse conditions. These technologies made the R-99B an efficient weapon for missions in difficult terrain, such as the dense vegetation of the Amazon rainforest.
At 15:27 p.m. on June 10, the Brazilian aircraft, accompanied by a FAP officer, departed Lima for Ayacucho. The mission required a careful flight over the jungle to capture radio signals that could indicate the position of the hijackers. Under total secrecy, the FAB began an unprecedented operation that would demonstrate Brazil's strength in defending its territory and its allies in South America.
Identifying the hostages' location: Peruvian Air Force began a siege with helicopters and other aircraft on the guerrillas' hideout
Flying over the Amazon rainforest, the R-99B's advanced sensors picked up VHF radio signals, and the crew on board began monitoring each transmission. Within an hour, the exact coordinates of the terrorist camp, located in a small village called Toccate, were identified.
With the coordinates in hand, the Peruvian authorities were quickly informed, and the Peruvian Air Force began a siege with helicopters and other aircraft on the guerrillas' hideout.
Surrender and rescue of hostages: Embraer R-99B successfully completed its first real mission
With the siege in place, Sendero Luminoso realized the imminent military operation and, fearing a direct confrontation, decided to release the hostages gradually. One by one, the names of those released were announced by the kidnappers via radio.
After the release of the last hostage, the guerrillas dispersed into the forest to avoid confrontation, escaping in small groups through alternative routes in the jungle.
The operation ended successfully and without any shots being fired, which earned praise from the FAB and FAP for its precision and speed. The R-99B successfully completed its first real mission, proving its ability to perform large-scale reconnaissance and surveillance operations, even beyond Brazil's borders.
On the night of the rescue, the aircraft returned to Lima International Airport, where the military participated in a brief assessment meeting with Peruvian officials.
Brazilian government kept the involvement of the Brazilian Air Force – FAB secret
The success of the mission reinforced Brazil’s importance in the South American defense scenario. Although its participation was vital, the Brazilian government kept the FAB’s involvement secret, leaving it to Peruvian authorities to release information to the press. Peruvian Defense Minister Aurelio Loret de Mola praised the actions of the country’s security forces alongside some of the hostages, without mentioning Brazil’s contribution.
The following morning, Loret de Mola made a point of visiting the R-99B to see first-hand the technological structure that made the rescue possible, accompanied by representatives of the FAP. Despite the speculation, the Brazilian government chose to remain silent about the operation, with the Defense Minister at the time, José Viegas, refusing to comment on the incident.
Even today, this operation remains an example of strategic cooperation and how the Amazon Surveillance System (SIVAM) can act to benefit not only Brazil, but the entire region. According to a FAB officer, who spoke anonymously to Istoé magazine, the mission strengthened Brazil's ability to monitor and protect the Amazon rainforest, ensuring continental security.
A milestone for the Brazilian Air Force
The rescue mission in Peru not only saved lives, but also marked the debut of the Embraer R-99B in a highly complex operation. With this action, Brazil demonstrated its technological strength and the importance of integration with neighboring countries in emergency situations. Today, even under secrecy, the operation serves as an example of dedication and efficiency for the Brazilian military.
This story, kept secret for almost two decades, demonstrates Brazil's relevance in the international security and defense scenario. It is a reminder that, even far from the spotlight, the FAB is prepared to protect and support missions of national and international interest, always defending the values and integrity of friendly nations.
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