US troops to Peru soon – here’s why.

US Troops Headed to Peru for Training Mission Amid Human Rights Concerns

Amid concerns over human rights violations by Peru’s police force, American troops are set to arrive in the country this week for a training mission. Last week, Amnesty International released a report accusing Peruvian police of committing “grave human rights violations and crimes under international law” during protests following the fall of former President Pedro Castillo. The report also suggested that high-level officials may have ordered or allowed these violations to occur.

Amnesty International Calls for Investigation

Peru’s Attorney General’s Office should investigate all those, up to the highest level, who ordered or tolerated the illegitimate use of lethal force by security forces that resulted in 49 deaths during the protests from December to February. https://t.co/3pujU9Z7uq

— Amnesty International (@amnesty) May 25, 2023

On the same day the report was released, Peru’s legislature passed a resolution allowing US troops into the country from June 1 through Dec. 31. According to a translation of a Spanish-language report in lalupa.pe, American troops will provide “support and assistance in Special Operations to the Joint Command of the Armed Forces and the Peruvian National Police.”

Mexican President Criticizes US Intervention

EVO MORALES: “The authorization of the Peruvian Congress for the entry and stay of US troops for 7 months, ratifies that Peru is governed from Washington, under the tutelage of the Southern Command. The Peruvian people are subjected to powerful foreign interests mediated by… pic.twitter.com/kYX1pYc7SU

— COMBATE | (@upholdreality) May 21, 2023

While the number of American soldiers being sent to Peru has not been confirmed, a Spanish-language report on SwissInfo.ch cited Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador as saying 700 American soldiers are being sent. Lopez Obrador has criticized the move, calling it an interventionist policy that does not promote unity among the peoples of the American continent.

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte has also faced criticism from Lopez Obrador, who has called her government unconstitutional. In response, Boluarte called Lopez Obrador “very ignorant.” The two countries have been in a feud since December, when Mexico’s ambassador to Peru was sent home after Lopez Obrador criticized Castillo’s removal. Peru then recalled its ambassador to Mexico.

Despite the controversy, American troops are set to arrive in Peru this week for their training mission.

Key Takeaways:

• American troops are heading to Peru for a training mission amid concerns over human rights violations by the country’s police force.
• Amnesty International recently released a report accusing Peruvian police of committing “grave human rights violations and crimes under international law” during protests following the fall of former President Pedro Castillo.
• Peru’s legislature passed a resolution allowing US troops into the country from June 1 through Dec. 31 to provide “support and assistance in Special Operations to the Joint Command of the Armed Forces and the Peruvian National Police.”
• Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has criticized the move, calling it an interventionist policy that does not promote unity among the peoples of the American continent.

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