Peru: Some airports and highways reopen Dec. 19 following police and military operations /update 10

Event

Though unrest is continuing throughout Peru in the wake of the Dec. 7 arrest of President Pedro Castillo, some transport disruptions have dissipated as of Dec. 19 following police and military operations to retake key transport hubs and to repair airports damaged in the protests. Security forces reopened Arequipa's Alfredo Rodriguez Ballon International Airport (AQP) on Dec. 19, with Alfredo Mendívil Duarte Airport (AYP) in Ayacucho and Manco Capac International Airport (JUL) in Juliaca both slated to reopen Dec. 20. Flights have also resumed at Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco, which reopened Dec. 16.

However, Andahuaylas Airport (ANS) remains closed. Additionally, any increase in protest activity may force the reclosure of some of the airports over the coming days, and significant flight disruptions are likely through late December as airlines work to clear backlogs.

Police have also successfully cleared some roadblocks on major highways. However, the Pan-American Highway remains blocked in parts of Arequipa Department; other roads and highways remain blocked in the departments of Apurimac, Cajamarca, Cusco, Junin, Puno, and Ucayali.

The railway between the city of Cusco and the Machu Picchu ruins remains blocked near Cusco. However, on Dec. 19, rail service resumed on the segment of the line that runs between Ollantaytambo and Machu Picchu.

The government continues to enforce overnight curfews in 15 provinces until at least Dec. 20. During curfew hours, only authorized personnel are allowed to leave their homes. Residents can use public roads to purchase food. The following specific curfews are in force:

• 20:00-04:00 Arequipa Province, Arequipa Department

• 18:00-04:00 Viru Province, La Libertad Department

• 19:00-04:00 Ica and Pisco provinces, Ica Deparment

• 18:00-04:00 Andahuaylas and Chincheros provinces, Apurimac Department

• 20:00-04:00 Cusco, La Covencion, Chumbivilacas, and Espinar provinces, Cusco Department

• 20:00-04:00 Carabaya and San Roman provinces, Puno Department

• 19:00-04:00 Tayacaja and Angaraes provinces, Huancavelica Department

• 19:00-04:00 Cangallo Province, Ayacucho Department

A 30-day state of emergency is also in effect nationwide. Under the state of emergency, several constitutional rights are suspended, including the right to transit, the right to assembly, and the right to be free from warrantless searches. The state of emergency further authorizes the armed forces to engage in law enforcement activities, such as policing protests.

According to the minister of defense, under the emergency measures, the armed forces will mobilize to reopen roads that have been blocked by protesters. Military troops will also protect airports and other critical infrastructure, a move that comes after protesters seized a plant on the Camisea gas pipeline in Kumpirushiato, Cusco Department.

Additional demonstrations are likely throughout the country. Protests have been particularly violent in the departments of Apurimac, Arequipa, and Ayacucho. In Arequipa Department, rioters looted and set fire to a warehouse in El Pedregal and burned a government building in Camana. Acts of vandalism and arson have also been reported in Cusco. At least 20 people have been killed in the unrest.

Demonstrations are also likely in Lima, where protesters have repeatedly gathered at Plaza San Martin. From there, demonstrators often attempt to march to the Congress building on Avenida Abancay. Marches to Congress often turn violent once they reach Avenida Abancay, as police typically deploy tear gas to prevent the protesters from reaching the building.

Elsewhere, police have heavily deployed to protest locations, occasionally attempting to forcibly disperse the demonstrations; protesters have thrown rocks and debris in retaliation. Further clashes between protesters and police, as well as between supporters of rival political parties, cannot be ruled out. Protest-related disruptions to transport and business are likely to continue over the coming days.

Context

Castillo's Dec. 7 arrest and removal from office came hours after he announced that he would dissolve Congress, establish a new emergency government, and implement a nationwide curfew - a move that the legislature saw as unconstitutional. Following the president's arrest, Vice President Dina Boluarte was sworn in as the new president, effectively nullifying Castillo's earlier announcement.

While Boluarte initially said that she would serve out the rest of Castillo's term which was scheduled to end in 2026, she announced Dec. 12 that she would ask Congress to amend the constitution to end her term early and allowing general elections to take place in April 2024. Castillo, meanwhile, has released statements in which he refuses to recognize Boluarte's presidency, insisting that he is still legally president. In response, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Honduras, and Mexico have issued statements recognizing Castillo as the legitimate president of Peru. Late Dec. 15, a judge ordered Castillo to be held in jail for up to 18 months as prosecutors build a case against him.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. If violence occurs, immediately leave the area and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Do not attempt to navigate around roadblocks; wait for the police to dismantle them or take alternative routes. Reconfirm flights before departing for the airport and seek other modes of transportation if necessary. Heed the instructions of security personnel. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.