Peru: State of emergency in Putumayo due to armed group

Event

The Peruvian government declared a state of emergency in the far north province of Putumayo (Loreto region) due to the presence of dissident members of the former Colombian guerrilla group FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia). The measure is set to remain in effect for a period of 60 days, beginning on Monday, July 16. Under the state of emergency, some constitutional rights will be suspended, including the freedoms to assemble and move freely, and police will be able to search homes without a warrant. Furthermore, the National Police and the armed forces will take control of security in the area, located along the border with Colombia.

Context

A peace deal between the FARC and the Colombian government was ratified in November 2016, officially ending an armed conflict that killed more than 220,000 people over five decades. However, hundreds of dissident ex-FARC militants who refused to demobilize remain operational in various parts of Colombia and neighboring countries, involved in drug trafficking, kidnapping, and other organized crime activities.

Advice

Individuals in Putumayo are advised to closely monitor the situation and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities. Due to security concerns, some foreign governments advise their nationals against travel to areas along the Colombian border, in addition to the VRAEM and Huánuco regions.