The primary area of operation is Peru. Supporters may extend throughout Latin America and into Western Europe.

The MRTA aims to establish a Marxist regime in Peru and calls for the downfall of what it calls the imperialist elements in the country, especially those reflecting U.S. and Japanese influence. The MRTA does not try to hold territory, but urges the populace of Peru to rise up against the government.

Current estimates place the MRTA's strength at 50-100 fighters. During the 1980s, the group had up to 2,000 combatants.

The group may receive some funds from U.S. and European supporters, but the MRTA is largely self-sufficient. Espousing a version of Marxism-Leninism similar to that of Cuban leader Fidel Castro, the group has enjoyed good relations with Cuba, as well as some support from Havana. It also has had links with groups of similar ideologies in the region and in Central America.

Though its ideology is similar to the Shining Path, the groups have usually been rivals, competing to control "taxes" on the drug trade and the rural populace.

The MRTA usually tries to avoid casualties to the general civilian population, focusing its attacks on Peruvian government and foreign interests. The group over the years may have carried out more terrorist attacks on U.S. interests than any other in Latin America. Tactics have often included bombs or mortar attacks. The MRTA has often commandeered radio stations to broadcast its propaganda.

Its strength down of late, the MRTA has been confined mostly to the jungle regions and less able to carry out attacks. There have been recent reports of low-level rebuilding activity. In addition, MRTA has preserved close ties with radical Indian movements.

The MRTA came into existence around 1983, years after the Maoist group Shining Path was formed in Peru. Tupac Amaru intended to foment a revolution that would see a Marxist-Leninist government installed and so-called imperialist interests expelled from Peru. Though it formed in rural areas, MRTA soon began operating in urban centers as well. In contrast to Maoists who aimed to take territory until the country was under control, Tupac Amaru did not seize any land. The group was often perceived to be less violent than the Shining Path, since it usually targeted government and foreign interests rather than civilians.

The group peaked in strength during the 1980s. In the 1990s, the MRTA was hit hard by the counter-insurgency campaign instigated by President Alberto Fujimori. Government-led raids on MRTA camps and peasant self-defense groups, combined with the capture of several leaders, severely crippled the MRTA.

The highest-profile MRTA attack occurred in 1996, when the group seized the Japanese Embassy in Lima and held 72 hostages for four months. Following the death of the 14 militants at the hands of Peruvian security forces, the group has largely faded away. Factionalization and the lack of a clear-cut leader have reportedly prevented the MRTA from making a comeback.

Peru's government still is dealing with the aftermath of the "dirty war" of the 1990's waged between the government and various terrorist groups. Accusations of human-rights violations have been made against former government officials, including former President Alberto Fujimori. There have also been accounts that MRTA could be revived.