A military operation in Peru has resulted in the liberation of 39 people, including 13 adults and 26 children, who had been held captive by the Shining Path rebel group for up to 25 years. The captives, who were used as slaves in remote mountain areas, were evacuated by army helicopters. Despite some initial reluctance, the rescue was successful, with the oldest captive being a 70-year-old woman. Many of the children were born as a result of rape or were abducted and indoctrinated. The operation involved 120 troops and took place in a region known for cocaine production. The Shining Path, which caused significant violence in the past, still has active factions led by the Quispe Palomino brothers, who are wanted for drug trafficking in the US.