Peru has taken dramatic action against a surge in violent crime, deploying military personnel to patrol the streets alongside police forces in a major security crackdown.
The emergency measures, announced by President Dina Boluarte's government, will see armed forces operating in the capital Lima and neighbouring port city Callao for 60 days as authorities battle escalating homicide rates and organised criminal activity.
Nationwide Crime Emergency
The state of emergency declaration covers constitutional rights restrictions across multiple districts, granting security forces enhanced powers to conduct searches and detain suspects without warrants. Defence Minister Walter Astudillo confirmed the military would maintain "permanent presence" in coordination with national police.
This decisive move follows alarming statistics revealing Peru's homicide rate has surged by 62% since 2021, with 8,517 violent deaths recorded last year alone. The situation has created widespread public anxiety about safety in urban areas.
Regional Security Crisis
Peru joins several Latin American nations grappling with similar security challenges. Neighbouring Ecuador recently declared its own state of emergency following the prison escape of a notorious drug cartel leader, while Chile and Colombia continue battling powerful criminal organisations.
Security analyst Marco Fernández warned: "We're witnessing a regional pattern where criminal groups are becoming increasingly sophisticated and violent. This requires equally robust responses from governments."
Public Reaction and Concerns
While many citizens welcome the increased security presence, human rights organisations have expressed concerns about potential military overreach. The Peruvian Ombudsman's Office emphasised that operations must respect fundamental rights despite the emergency powers.
Street vendor María González told reporters: "We see shootings now in broad daylight. Something had to change, but we hope this brings safety, not more problems."
The coming weeks will prove crucial in determining whether this military deployment can effectively curb Peru's worsening violence or if more comprehensive strategies will be needed to address the root causes of the country's security crisis.
