The number of people reported dead in Peru’s ongoing demonstrations, which intensified after the detention of former President Pedro Castillo, rose to a total of 20 according to updated figures released by officials in Ayacucho on Thursday. The revision followed violent clashes around the region’s airport, underscoring the rising human cost amid days of political turmoil.
In Ayacucho, the update reflected an escalation to eight fatalities within the region. An additional six deaths were added to the national toll, with casualties also recorded in the central highlands and western and northern zones of the country, including Apurímac, Arequipa, Huancavelica, Junín, and the northern departments, as reported by the Peruvian news outlet RPP among others. The tally illustrates a widespread pattern of violence affecting multiple communities as protests unfolded during the crisis.
The Regional Health Directorate of Junín reported on Friday that in the province of Pichanaquí there was one death and five injuries, comprised of three civilians and two police officers. Health authorities emphasized the pressing need for medical access and the protection of life in the midst of escalating confrontations, urging restraint and caution from both protesters and security personnel.
Officials stressed that civilians and members of the Armed Forces should avoid actions that could trigger further clashes and should prioritize the safe passage of emergency services and ambulances. The public statement called for calm and urged the mobility of essential teams to ensure timely care for those affected by the violence.
Ayacucho’s National Health Department confirmed that the death toll had risen to eight in the region and reported 52 individuals injured as a result of the clashes between protesters and police. The updated balance came as national authorities continued to monitor the situation and coordinate response measures across affected areas.
Following the latest update, the Peruvian Ombudsman announced in a formal statement that it had opened an investigation to determine whether Peruvian security forces used firearms against demonstrators in Ayacucho. The inquiry reflects ongoing concerns about the conduct of security operations during protests and the protection of civil rights amid public unrest.
President Dina Boluarte expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, acknowledging the newer fatalities reported in Ayacucho as the government faced the broader repercussions of the crisis. The revelations about seven more deaths at the airport in Ayacucho occurred on Thursday, reinforcing calls for accountability and a measured response to protests across the country.
The latest fatalities arrive amid a sustained wave of demonstrations that began in response to the arrest and removal of former President Castillo on December 7. Protesters have demanded a dissolution of Congress and new general elections, arguing that political power should be reconfigured to better reflect popular will and to restore stability after the controversial leadership change.
In response to the unfolding crisis, the Peruvian government declared a 30-day state of emergency at the national level, a measure aimed at consolidating public order while authorities address the protests. Simultaneously, the government imposed a state of emergency on critical roadways and transit corridors, enabling security forces to patrol strategic routes and protect key infrastructure across the nation. The steps reflect a dual objective: ensuring continuity of essential services and safeguarding the population in a volatile political moment.