At least six soldiers have died, and others were injured in a dangerous episode that unfolded after a patrol joined forces on Sunday. The group attempted to cross a river in the Ilave area of the Puno region, Peru, in an urgent bid to move away from protesters and reach a safer route. The incident highlights the escalating tension in a region already reeling from demonstrations and confrontations that have strained the balance between security forces and local communities.
According to a statement from the Joint Command of the Armed Forces, the patrol was seeking an alternate path that would help them bypass the protests that had effectively blocked ordinary passage. The plan involved crossing the Ilave river, a route believed to be less prone to friction with demonstrators who had gathered in Ilave and began to threaten passing personnel. Initial reports from the RPP station described stones and other impediments hurled by protesters, complicating the soldiers’ attempt to navigate the area safely. In the course of the crossing, six troops found themselves caught in the river’s strong current, and tragically, several did not survive the attempt. Shortly after, the Department of Defense confirmed the death toll had risen as more soldiers succumbed to the perilous conditions, and divers were deployed to locate any missing personnel. The situation underscored the peril faced by security units who must adapt quickly to evolving ground realities while safeguarding both their own people and the public they serve.
In a formal briefing, the military explained that the decision to seek an alternate passage came after assessments of the risks associated with direct engagement with protesters who had shown a willingness to confront security forces and had refused dialogue opportunities. The aim, as stated by the Peruvian Army, was to minimize clashes and protect personnel in a volatile environment. The crossing of the Ilave river was presented as a tactical choice to maintain order while avoiding confrontations that could put more lives in danger. Officials noted that the patrol did not abandon its mission but adjusted its route to reduce potential harm and maintain operational readiness as it prepared to respond to protest mobilizations in Juli and surrounding areas.
The Ministry of Defense later issued a statement expressing deep regret for the fatalities and the suffering caused by the incident. It was announced that the Peruvian flag would be lowered to half-mast in front of the Ministry headquarters as a mark of respect for the deceased soldiers. An investigation was promptly launched to determine the events leading up to the accident, identify any responsibilities involved, and prevent a recurrence of similar tragedies. Military authorities and civilian oversight bodies pledged transparency as the inquiry progressed, underscoring the commitment to accountability and to reviewing procedures for river crossings and other potentially hazardous movements in crowded or unstable zones. The broader objective is to ensure that security operations align with humanitarian principles while continuing to uphold public safety and the rule of law in the region.