The Peruvian government has declared a curfew in Pataz province after 13 mine workers were tragically killed, highlighting the alarming rise in criminal gang activities in the area.
**Peru's Pataz Province Enforced Curfew Following Brutal Murder of Mine Workers**
**Peru's Pataz Province Enforced Curfew Following Brutal Murder of Mine Workers**
The government takes drastic measures as violence from criminal gangs escalates in the mining region.
In response to the tragic deaths of 13 mine workers following their kidnapping, the Peruvian government has imposed a curfew in Pataz province. President Dina Boluarte announced a one-month suspension of mining activities as security forces are deployed to the region. The deceased, employed by subcontractors of the La Poderosa gold mine, were reportedly captured by illegal miners associated with criminal groups on April 26. Their lifeless bodies were recovered on May 2, sparking national outrage due to gruesome videos sent by their captors demanding ransom. Despite an ongoing state of emergency since February 2024, violence has continued unabated in Pataz—a mining region over 800 kilometers north of Lima. La Poderosa indicated that a total of 39 individuals linked to the company have lost their lives to gang-related violence. The region's prosecutor described the chaos as a dangerous conflict over mining territories between illegal and legal operators, underscoring the alarming security situation.
Amidst this turmoil, the government vows to take control, but many residents are left questioning whether these measures will effectively quell the violence plaguing their community.
Amidst this turmoil, the government vows to take control, but many residents are left questioning whether these measures will effectively quell the violence plaguing their community.
