Sinchis
| Sinchis | |
|---|---|
| Dirección Táctica Rural "Los Sinchis" | |
Members marching in Chorrillos | |
| Active | 1965–present |
| Country | Peru |
| Allegiance | President of Peru |
| Type | Police tactical unit |
| Role | Air assault Anti-irregular military Bodyguard Bomb disposal Clandestine operation Close-quarters battle Countering illicit drug trafficking Counterinsurgency Counterterrorism Crowd control Direct action Force protection Hostage rescue Jungle warfare Law enforcement Long-range penetration Manhunt Mountain warfare Parachuting Patrolling Raiding Riot control Reconnaissance Special operations Special reconnaissance Tracking Urban warfare |
| Part of | National Police of Peru Civil Guard (1965–1991) |
| Garrison/HQ | Mazamari |
| Motto(s) | Worthy of life are those alone who are willing to die for a noble cause (Spanish: Sólo merece vivir quién por un noble ideal está dispuesto a morir) |
| March | Sinchi Anthem (Spanish: Himno Sinchi) |
| Anniversaries | 21 June |
| Engagements | 1965 guerrilla conflict in Peru Internal conflict in Peru |
The Sinchis (from the Quechua word sinchi, 'strong, brave'), also known as the Sinchis de Mazamari after their training location, are a police tactical unit of the National Police of Peru specialized in air assault and airborne operations, anti-irregular military, countering illicit drug trafficking, counterinsurgency, counterterrorism, hostage rescue crisis management, and operating in difficult to access terrain especially in mountainous forest areas.
The commando unit was part of the Civil Guard from its formation in 1965 until 1991, when it was incorporated into the National Police of Peru. The Sinchis played an important role in the counterinsurgency war against the Shining Path during the internal conflict in Peru in the 1980s and 1990s. According to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the commando unit is responsible for operating in difficult to access terrain and serious crimes committed against the Quechua population of the regions of Ayacucho, Apurimac and Huancavelica.