Hidden Mikes Helped Peru Carry Out Raid

Hidden in a chess piece, crutches and even a Bible, tiny microphones gave commandos, who stormed the Japanese ambassador’s mansion to free 72 hostages, intimate knowledge of the hostage-takers’ daily routines.

Periscopes allowed commandos to see into the compound’s first floor, and a CIA spy plane with advanced technology was used to detect people and rebel-planted mines, according to Peruvian television reports.

Some of the listening devices were displayed on television Sunday. They clearly show that Peruvian authorities knew what was going on behind the thick walls of the diplomatic compound during the four-month standoff.

Seventy-one hostages were rescued in Tuesday’s assault. One hostage, two soldiers and all 14 Tupac Amaru rebels were killed - including rebel leader Nestor Cerpa.