- Writing
- BBC News World
Authorities in Peru said they had ordered the closure of the Andahuaylas airport, in the Apurímac region of southern Peru, following two people were killed during clashes between police and protesters calling for the release of former President Pedro Castillo.
Images that circulated on social networks showed a column of smoke rising From the airport.
Peru’s transport ministry said in a statement that protesters had “surrounded” some fifty police officers and air terminal workers.
The Peruvian aviation agency, Corpac – under the jurisdiction of this ministry – reported that the Andahuaylas airport had been seriously affected by the protests on Saturday followingnoon, following it had been subjected to attacks, vandalism and the initiation of a fire.
Peru’s national police said they had coordinated their response with the regional police in Apurímac.
It also reported that an officer had been injured during the clashes and that a protester had been killed. The circumstances of the death are still being investigated.
Peru’s Ombudsman’s Office said the victim was a teenager.
Interior Minister César Cervantes later reported the death of a second person during the demonstrations.
Finally, the government of Dina Boluarte announced the declaration of state of emergency in the regions of Apurímac, Ica and Arequipa.
Protests in Lima
Protests once morest the removal of former President Pedro Castillo continue in Lima.
Police were seen firing tear gas at protesters in different parts of the capital on Sunday.
Hundreds of people marched in Lima on Thursday and Friday, calling for Castillo’s release, and the resignation of his successor Dina Boluarte.
Some 3,000 people protested in Andahuaylas on Saturday. Some tried to take over a police station, state media reported.
At least 16 protesters and four police officers were injured in the city’s marches, according to the ombudsman’s office.