The tragic deaths bring to light the ongoing battle between legal and illegal mining factions, intensifying calls for intervention in the region.
**Peru Declares Curfew After Gruesome Murder of 13 Mine Workers**
**Peru Declares Curfew After Gruesome Murder of 13 Mine Workers**
Peru's government tightens security measures in Pataz province amid rising violence linked to illegal mining activities.
In response to the chilling murder of 13 mine workers, the Peruvian government has instituted a curfew in Pataz province, a region notorious for its rising criminal activities linked to mining. This decision comes as President Dina Boluarte calls for a month-long halt to mining operations while deploying additional police and military personnel to restore order.
The workers, who were employed by a subcontractor for La Poderosa, were reportedly kidnapped by members of a criminal gang on April 26 and their remains were discovered the following Sunday. La Poderosa alleged that "illegal miners colluding with criminals" were responsible for the heinous act, amplifying concerns surrounding the escalating violence in the area.
Boluarte emphasized that the armed forces would now take "full control" of the La Poderosa mining sector. Despite a state of emergency, which has been in place since February 2024, violent incidents persist, with La Poderosa revealing that 39 of its affiliates have been targeted and killed by criminal organizations in Pataz.
"We have witnessed a troubling escalation of violence in Pataz, which continues unabated despite significant police presence," stated La Poderosa in a release on May 2.
The 13 slain individuals were part of a team sent to reclaim control over the mine, which had been seized by illegal miners. The situation escalated when the team was ambushed, leading to their abduction; horrifically, video footage of the captives circulated among their families demanding ransom, further igniting public outrage following the revelation of their deaths.
Prosecutor Luis Guillermo Bringas described the disturbing conflict as a "war for mining pits" involving both illegal and violent miners clashing with lawful operations, signaling an urgent need for effective governance in the region amid this crisis.
The workers, who were employed by a subcontractor for La Poderosa, were reportedly kidnapped by members of a criminal gang on April 26 and their remains were discovered the following Sunday. La Poderosa alleged that "illegal miners colluding with criminals" were responsible for the heinous act, amplifying concerns surrounding the escalating violence in the area.
Boluarte emphasized that the armed forces would now take "full control" of the La Poderosa mining sector. Despite a state of emergency, which has been in place since February 2024, violent incidents persist, with La Poderosa revealing that 39 of its affiliates have been targeted and killed by criminal organizations in Pataz.
"We have witnessed a troubling escalation of violence in Pataz, which continues unabated despite significant police presence," stated La Poderosa in a release on May 2.
The 13 slain individuals were part of a team sent to reclaim control over the mine, which had been seized by illegal miners. The situation escalated when the team was ambushed, leading to their abduction; horrifically, video footage of the captives circulated among their families demanding ransom, further igniting public outrage following the revelation of their deaths.
Prosecutor Luis Guillermo Bringas described the disturbing conflict as a "war for mining pits" involving both illegal and violent miners clashing with lawful operations, signaling an urgent need for effective governance in the region amid this crisis.
