News In Brief

Peruvian rebels seek truce after a leader is captured

Peru's Shining Path guerrillas have draped white flags in Andean villages and called for a truce following the capture of one of their top leaders, police said Tuesday.

It was the Maoist group's first truce offer in their three-year attempt to overthrow the government of President Fernando Belaunde Terry.

Police here said that along with the white flags, which began appearing Monday, were signs saying: ''We are withdrawing for two years. Peasants, do not abandon your lands. We will return.'' Police expressed doubt about whether the rebels would lay down their arms and warned the call for a truce might be a trap.