1998 Photo Contest, Spot News, 3rd prize
Photographer

Silvia Izquierdo

Reuters

22 April, 1997

During a minutely planned commando operation Commando Captain Raúl Jimenez is evacuated by his comrades over the roof of the Japanese ambassador's residence. He suffered injuries by grenade shrapnel to his throat and died shortly afterwards. On December 17, 1996 members of the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA) had dressed as waiters and occupied the ambassador's residence during a reception. Most of the hostages they took were released in January, but negotiations dragged on for months. Finally, a 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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