1998 Photo Contest, Spot News, 3rd prize
Photographer

Silvia Izquierdo

Reuters

22 April, 1997

Soldiers help foreign minister Francisco Tudela to safety shortly after the first explosion signaled the start of their rescue opertation. On December 17, 1996 members of the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA) dressed as waiters occupied the Japanese ambassador's residence where a reception was in progress. Most of the hostages they took were released in January, but negotiations dragged on for months. Finally, a minutely planned commando operation was carried out in which all 14 rebels and two commandos were killed. One hostage also perished; the remaining 71 were freed.

About the photographer

Silvia Izquierdo

Silvia Izquierdo is Associated Press’s (AP) Chief Photographer for Brazil. World Press Photo Involvement: Award-winning photographer 1998 Photo Contest Award-winning p...

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