Peru activates Plan Escudo to protect public transport

Peru's Ministry of the Interior has activated 'Plan Escudo' (Shield Plan) to combat extortion and attacks targeting the public transportation sector. Interior Minister César Astudillo has overseen the deployment of both the National Police and the Armed Forces to secure approximately 14 transport maneuvering yards and various passenger stops, particularly in areas of Lima such as Villa María del Triunfo and Pachacámac.

The strategy integrates physical presence with heightened joint intelligence efforts between police and military forces to anticipate criminal activity. Minister Astudillo emphasized that the operation aims to protect transport workers, companies, and citizens from rising insecurity.

While the plan is underway, Defense Minister Rafael Belaunde Llosa noted that the specific timeline for broader street and bus patrolling by the Armed Forces is still being defined, as the government seeks legislative authority from Congress to formalize these security roles. Additionally, the appointment of retired General Astudillo to lead the Ministry has sparked discussions regarding the increased military influence within the interior security sector.