The attack highlights the dangerous intersection of illegal mining and organized crime in the region.
**Peru Enforces Curfew After Gruesome Killing of 13 Mine Workers**
**Peru Enforces Curfew After Gruesome Killing of 13 Mine Workers**
Peruvian authorities respond to violence linked to criminal gangs in Pataz province.
In a decisive move, the Peruvian government has implemented a night-time curfew in Pataz province following the tragic deaths of 13 mine workers last week. President Dina Boluarte announced the suspension of mining activities for one month, alongside the deployment of additional police and military personnel to the area. This somber decision came in light of the workers' alleged kidnapping by criminal gangs operating within the mining sector.
La Poderosa, the gold mining company involved, revealed that the men were abducted on April 26, and their remains were discovered on Sunday under harrowing circumstances. The firm accused illegal miners of collaborating with criminal elements in the attack. President Boluarte emphasized the necessity for the armed forces to take absolute control of the La Poderosa mining site.
The ongoing violence in Pataz, which is over 800 kilometers (500 miles) from Lima, has raised alarm, especially since a state of emergency has been in effect since February 2024. La Poderosa stated that 39 individuals associated with their operations have fallen victim to gang violence in the region. "Despite the declaration of a state of emergency and a considerable police presence, the security situation in Pataz continues to deteriorate," they expressed in a statement released on May 2.
The deceased workers, employed by subcontractor R&R, were reportedly sent to reclaim the mine from a group of illegal occupiers when they were ambushed. Disturbingly, videos obtained by their captors showed the men bound and unclothed, fueling outrage throughout Peru as the footage was reportedly shared with relatives in a bid for ransom. Forensic reports indicating that the men were executed just days prior to their discovery have deepened the national shock and grief.
Luis Guillermo Bringas, a local prosecutor, indicated that the region is caught in a violent struggle for control over mining resources between illegal miners and organized crime syndicates, with legitimate mining operations caught in the crossfire.
La Poderosa, the gold mining company involved, revealed that the men were abducted on April 26, and their remains were discovered on Sunday under harrowing circumstances. The firm accused illegal miners of collaborating with criminal elements in the attack. President Boluarte emphasized the necessity for the armed forces to take absolute control of the La Poderosa mining site.
The ongoing violence in Pataz, which is over 800 kilometers (500 miles) from Lima, has raised alarm, especially since a state of emergency has been in effect since February 2024. La Poderosa stated that 39 individuals associated with their operations have fallen victim to gang violence in the region. "Despite the declaration of a state of emergency and a considerable police presence, the security situation in Pataz continues to deteriorate," they expressed in a statement released on May 2.
The deceased workers, employed by subcontractor R&R, were reportedly sent to reclaim the mine from a group of illegal occupiers when they were ambushed. Disturbingly, videos obtained by their captors showed the men bound and unclothed, fueling outrage throughout Peru as the footage was reportedly shared with relatives in a bid for ransom. Forensic reports indicating that the men were executed just days prior to their discovery have deepened the national shock and grief.
Luis Guillermo Bringas, a local prosecutor, indicated that the region is caught in a violent struggle for control over mining resources between illegal miners and organized crime syndicates, with legitimate mining operations caught in the crossfire.
