Pataz: Police officer killed in armed attack linked to illegal mining

A police officer, identified as third sub-officer José Antonio Castillo Rodríguez, was killed during an armed attack in the Pataz province of La Libertad, Peru. The incident occurred in the La Porfiria sector of the Pueblo Nuevo district while the officer was conducting preventive patrols alongside personnel from the Special Operations Directorate (Dinoes).

Reports indicate that armed individuals, allegedly linked to the criminal organization “Los Malditos de JP” and illegal mining activities, opened fire from a hillside. The attackers were reportedly attempting to seize control of the “Camilo” mine. Castillo Rodríguez sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead after being transported to a health center.

The attack highlights ongoing security challenges in Pataz, a region that has been under a state of emergency for over two years due to high levels of violence related to illegal mining. General Eric Ángeles Puente, head of the La Libertad Police Region, confirmed the officer died in the line of duty.