Peruvian Prime Minister Says Riots In Puno Were Planned, At least 17 dead

Peruvian Prime Minister Alberto Otarola called the attack on the airport in the city of Juliaca in the Puno Region, where, according to the latest reports, 17 anti-government protesters died, a planned action and called on the prosecutor's office to find and punish those planning a coup.

"Today, more than 9,000 people gathered near the airport, of whom 2,000 participated in a merciless attack on the police and (airport) buildings," the prime minister said in an address broadcast on government social media.

"There is information about casualties that we mourn, and those who mulled a coup are directly responsible for this," he said.

According to the Peruvian ombudsman, 17 protesters were killed in a clash near Juliaca Airport, and another victim among the demonstrators was in Chucuito, where a road was blocked. Earlier, the regional health department reported that 12 bodies were brought to the local hospital and 38 people were hospitalized with injuries.

"More than 200 vehicles have been identified that were paid for with illegal money and transported aggressive individuals from various cities..."