Peruvian terrorist leader captured alive

SAN MARTIN, Peru, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- The leader of Peruvian terrorist group Shining Path has been captured alive by security forces, officials said Sunday.

Jose Eleuterio Flores Hala, also known as Comrade Artemio, was caught near Tocache, San Martin, Peruvian news agency ANDINA reported. Artemio is receiving medical treatment for gunshot wounds received during a gun fight with security forces, Peruvian Defense Minister Alberto Otarola said. The leader of the Shining Path terrorist group lost an arm due to the gunshot wounds, he added.

Police initially thought Artemio was dead after he sustained three gunshot wounds in a police ambush Thursday, Peru This Week reported.

Two Shining Path members who were arrested told police they saw Artemio unconscious and convulsing after the attack.

"He looked dead, we left him on the banks of the river Mishollo, near Pizana" they said.