In a desperate move to counteract ongoing criminal violence, the Peruvian government enforced a strict curfew in Pataz province after the horrific kidnapping and subsequent murder of 13 mine workers last week.
Peru Enacts Curfew in Response to Murder of 13 Mine Workers
Peru Enacts Curfew in Response to Murder of 13 Mine Workers
The government increases security measures in Pataz province following a tragic kidnapping incident.
In response to this tragedy, President Dina Boluarte has enacted an overnight curfew and suspended mining operations for a month while deploying additional forces to the area. This crisis highlights the increasing influence and brutality of criminal gangs operating in Pataz, notorious for illegal mining practices. The gold mine, owned by La Poderosa, reported that the victims were taken by "illegal miners colluding with criminals" on April 26, with their bodies discovered later on Sunday.
The mining company noted that their reports indicated a total of 39 individuals connected to their operations had fallen victim to gang violence in the province, situated over 800 kilometers north of Lima. Despite a state of emergency declared in February, La Poderosa expressed concern over the diminishing security situation, claiming that prior measures had failed to restore order.
The 13 men, working under subcontractor R&R at La Poderosa, were ambushed while attempting to reclaim the mine from occupying illegal miners. Disturbingly, their captors shared video recordings showing the men exposed and restrained, further illustrating the severity of the situation. This description of events, along with forensic evidence revealing that the victims were executed weeks prior, has ignited public outrage throughout the country.
Luis Guillermo Bringas, a prosecutor in the region, noted that Pataz is currently embroiled in a fierce conflict over mining territory, highlighting the ongoing struggle between illegal and legal miners. The government’s response seeks to restore order and combat the escalating crisis in this vital mining area.
The mining company noted that their reports indicated a total of 39 individuals connected to their operations had fallen victim to gang violence in the province, situated over 800 kilometers north of Lima. Despite a state of emergency declared in February, La Poderosa expressed concern over the diminishing security situation, claiming that prior measures had failed to restore order.
The 13 men, working under subcontractor R&R at La Poderosa, were ambushed while attempting to reclaim the mine from occupying illegal miners. Disturbingly, their captors shared video recordings showing the men exposed and restrained, further illustrating the severity of the situation. This description of events, along with forensic evidence revealing that the victims were executed weeks prior, has ignited public outrage throughout the country.
Luis Guillermo Bringas, a prosecutor in the region, noted that Pataz is currently embroiled in a fierce conflict over mining territory, highlighting the ongoing struggle between illegal and legal miners. The government’s response seeks to restore order and combat the escalating crisis in this vital mining area.
