Late on Saturday, a tragic incident unfolded at Peru's Poderosa mine, where armed individuals utilized explosives to raid the site, resulting in nine fatalities and 15 injuries, as per the statement from the Interior Ministry.
In response to the armed attack, the police swiftly intervened, successfully gaining control of the situation. Subsequently, seven individuals were apprehended, and weapons were confiscated, as outlined in the ministry's official statement. Additionally, special forces were deployed to the area, reinforcing local police efforts.
The assailants accessed the mine shaft through the use of explosive charges, engaging in a violent confrontation with the internal security personnel from the company. This confrontation escalated to the point where four individuals were taken hostage, further intensifying the gravity of the situation, according to the ministry's report.
This incident occurred one year after the impeachment and subsequent arrest of the leftist former President Pedro Castillo. The aftermath of his removal triggered months of widespread protests, impacting operations at various mines across the Andean country.
Peru, a significant global player in the mining industry, holds the status of the world's second-largest producer of copper, in addition to being a crucial contributor to silver and gold production. The attack at the Ponderosa mine underscores the challenges and vulnerabilities faced by the mining sector in Peru.
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