In a chilling aftermath of the brutal kidnapping and murder of 13 mine workers, the Peruvian government has taken decisive steps to restore order in the Pataz province, spotlighting the escalating conflict between legal and illegal mining factions.
Peru Declares Curfew Following Brutal Kidnap and Murder of Mine Workers
Peru Declares Curfew Following Brutal Kidnap and Murder of Mine Workers
The tragic deaths of 13 mine workers lead to heightened security measures in the Pataz province.
The Peruvian governor has implemented a curfew in Pataz province following the recent murder of 13 kidnapped mine workers. President Dina Boluarte's administration has also mandated a month-long suspension of mining activities in the region while enhancing the presence of police and military personnel.
This tragic incident has shone a spotlight on criminal activities rampant in the Pataz area, known for illegal mining operations. The mine’s owner, La Poderosa, reported the men were abducted by armed criminals allegedly linked to illegal miners on April 26, with their bodies discovered on May 2. A grim statement from La Poderosa disclosed that 39 of its affiliates have fallen victim to similar violent acts, demonstrating the pervasive threat facing legal mining operations.
Boluarte stated that armed forces would be deployed to reclaim control over the La Poderosa mining area as the violence continues unabated, despite the long-standing state of emergency instituted since February 2024.
Tragically, the kidnapped miners were employed by a subcontractor, R&R, and were attacked while attempting to reclaim the mine from encroaching illegal miners. Disturbingly, video footage recorded by their captors, showing the workers bound and stripped of clothing to solicit ransom, has incited outrage across Peru. Forensic evidence suggesting they were executed over a week before discovery has intensified public horror and outcry.
Luis Guillermo Bringas, a local prosecutor, highlighted the ongoing conflict which is characterized as a "war for mining pits," reflecting the dangerous landscape of territorial battles between illegal and legal miners in the area.
This tragic incident has shone a spotlight on criminal activities rampant in the Pataz area, known for illegal mining operations. The mine’s owner, La Poderosa, reported the men were abducted by armed criminals allegedly linked to illegal miners on April 26, with their bodies discovered on May 2. A grim statement from La Poderosa disclosed that 39 of its affiliates have fallen victim to similar violent acts, demonstrating the pervasive threat facing legal mining operations.
Boluarte stated that armed forces would be deployed to reclaim control over the La Poderosa mining area as the violence continues unabated, despite the long-standing state of emergency instituted since February 2024.
Tragically, the kidnapped miners were employed by a subcontractor, R&R, and were attacked while attempting to reclaim the mine from encroaching illegal miners. Disturbingly, video footage recorded by their captors, showing the workers bound and stripped of clothing to solicit ransom, has incited outrage across Peru. Forensic evidence suggesting they were executed over a week before discovery has intensified public horror and outcry.
Luis Guillermo Bringas, a local prosecutor, highlighted the ongoing conflict which is characterized as a "war for mining pits," reflecting the dangerous landscape of territorial battles between illegal and legal miners in the area.
