Why Are US Military Personnel Heading To Peru?

The Peruvian Congress has authorized the entry of US troops onto Peruvian soil with the aim of carrying out “cooperation activities” with Peru’s armed forces and national police. The military personnel are expected to be there between June 1 and December 31, 2023, with the cooperation and training activities taking place across a wide range of territory, including the regions in the south of the country that have seen significant protests, strikes and roadblocks following the toppling and imprisonment of President Pedro Castillo. The forceful crackdown on protesters has led to around 70 deaths, according to Amnesty International. The purpose behind the military presence is unclear, but some legal scholars suggest that political protests could be criminalized, given the recent ruling by the country’s Supreme Court. The US has a long history of involvement in Peru, which is home to minerals identified as strategically important to US national security interests. This has led to speculation of another coup, aided by the recent appointment of a CIA veteran as US ambassador to Peru, and concerns have been raised by some opposition congresspeople in Peru that the foreign troops could pose a threat to national sovereignty.



Source link