The Special Counterterrorist Company "Chavín de Huántar" No. 61, commonly known as Chavín de Huántar Command (Spanish: Comando Chavín de Huántar), is the elite unit of Peru's special forces. It is made up of members of the Peruvian Army and Navy. They became known internationally after successfully rescuing the 72 hostages captured by the Túpac Amaru Revolutionary Movement during the Japanese embassy hostage crisis, on April 22, 1997, which has been described as one of the most successful military rescue operations in history.[1][2][3] For their work, they have been legislatively declared “Heroes of Democracy.”[4]
| Chavín de Huántar Command | |
|---|---|
| Comando Chavín de Huántar | |
 Members during 21st anniversary celebrations | |
| Active | January 1, 1997 |
| Country | Peru |
| Branch | Peruvian Armed Forces |
| Type | Special forces |
| Role | Counterterrorism |
| Size | 148 men |
| Garrison/HQ | Chorrillos Military School |
| Patron | Inca Pachacútec |
| Motto(s) | We did it for Peru |
| Anniversaries | 22 April |
| Engagements | Peruvian conflict |
| Decorations | See list |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | José Williams |
Decorations
edit- 2017: Heroes of Democracy (Spanish: Héroes de la Democracia), granted by the Congress of Peru.[5]
- 2018:
Military Order of Ayacucho, granted by president Pedro Pablo Kuckzynski. - 2018:Defenders of Democracy, shared with tunnel engineers. Granted by Congress.
- 2019:
Order of Merit, Grand Cross and Grand Officers, granted by president Martín Vizcarra.[6]
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See also
editReferences
edit- ^ www.lanacion.com.ar. "De Entebbe a Lima, otros rescates históricos". Archived from the original on 22 April 2017. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
- ^ www.que.es. "Perú recrea el rescate en la residencia del embajador japonés tras 15 años de la operación". Archived from the original on 22 April 2017. Retrieved 21 April 2017.
- ^ elcomercio.pe. "Chavín de Huántar y otros impresionantes rescates en el mundo". Retrieved 24 April 2017.
- ^ "LEY Nº 30554 LEY QUE DECLARA HÉROES DE LA DEMOCRACIA A LOS COMANDOS CHAVÍN DE HUÁNTAR".
- ^ "Chavín de Huántar: se cumplen 21 años del rescate de los rehenes". Retrieved 30 March 2020.
- ^ "Comandos Chavín de Huántar serán reconocidos". Retrieved 30 March 2020.
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