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Peru Troops and Police Seize Military-Grade Arsenal in Pataz Mine Raid

Officials say the haul exposes a weapons pipeline that requires a coordinated investigation.

Overview

  • A citizen tip and military intelligence flagged gunmen who stormed the 2820 work level in Pataz and fired on miners inside the site.
  • The unified command of soldiers and police launched Operation Águila Dorada and exchanged fire with the suspects inside a mine tunnel.
  • The attackers fled through the shaft and left behind seven rifles, three shotguns, about 1,500 rounds, and explosives.
  • The cache included three FAL rifles with listed serials, three Galils with no numbers, and an R15 marked MSA090540, along with detonators, cord, and a Kevlar helmet.
  • No suspects were detained, and security officials and analysts now urge prosecutors, police, and military counterintelligence to trace the weapons’ source and check for possible infiltration of the forces.