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Peru Forces Destroy Illegal Gold Plant in Pataz Raid 'Atoq'

The military–police task force says the campaign will continue under emergency powers.

Overview

  • CUPAZ, integrating the Armed Forces and National Police, executed Operation Atoq in the Vijus annex of Pataz under a declared state of emergency.
  • Troops destroyed an artisanal processing plant and equipment including 20 mills, generators, pumps and cyanidation pools, with assets valued at S/628,900.
  • Authorities detained nine suspects and collected chemical samples for forensic analysis before transferring the case to the Public Ministry.
  • The Interior Ministry said the 13-hour raid targeted the logistical structure of a criminal group that exploited gold and intimidated residents.
  • Officials reported a soldier from Anti-Terrorist Battalion No. 42 was killed during the operations, and commanders pledged continued interventions under the CUPAZ strategy.