Peru: Clashes with “narcoterrorists” in VRAEM region Oct. 8

Event

According to a statement by the Peruvian armed forces, a police officer was killed in clashes with “narcoterrorists” in Huanta province’s Pucacolpa district (Ayacucho region) on Sunday, October 8. The confrontation occurred during a police patrol.

Context

Joint police and army patrols are regularly carried out in Ayacucho, which is part of the VRAEM (Valley of the Apurimac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers) region. The area was largely ignored by the Peruvian government until 2006, allowing criminal groups to thrive and poverty rates to remain extremely high. According to the UN, one-third of the cocaine produced worldwide comes from this area, totaling up to 400 tons per year.

Advice

Due to the presence of armed groups, some Western governments advise against travel to the VRAEM region, as well as the Huánuco region and areas along the Colombian border.