Peru's Fujimori Promises Military Crackdown on Crime

President José Luis Rojas, who took office in a ceremony that marked the ninth presidential transition in ten years, announced that the armed forces will be deployed to the country’s most crime‑ridden regions. He also pledged a hard‑line security strategy aimed at curbing gang activity, extortion and illegal mining operations that have surged in recent months. The new administration intends to coordinate closely with police and local authorities to restore public safety.

Peru is currently experiencing its worst wave of gang violence in decades, with armed groups controlling large swaths of territory and engaging in extortion, kidnapping and illicit mining. Illegal mining has not only fueled the gangs’ finances but also caused significant environmental damage and displaced communities. The government’s decision to involve the military reflects the urgency of the crisis and the perceived need for a more decisive law‑enforcement approach.

The president’s plan will be implemented over the coming weeks, with the military expected to establish presence in key hotspots while maintaining a focus on protecting civilians and securing critical infrastructure. The strategy’s effectiveness will be monitored by the Ministry of Interior and the National Police, and its outcomes will shape Peru’s broader efforts to address the root causes of the current security crisis.