Armed forces seize war arsenal, capture two in Pataz

Peruvian Armed Forces and National Police have confiscated a substantial arsenal of war weapons and apprehended two individuals during "Operation Rising Sun" in the town of Yalen, Pataz province, La Libertad region. The joint operation was conducted by the Unified Command Pataz (Cupaz) to combat criminal organizations active in the area.

The confiscated items included three SZ Scorpion rifles, an R-15 rifle, a shotgun, four pistols, 52 explosives, various calibers of ammunition, and loaded magazines. Additionally, security forces found five bulletproof vests, four protective plates, and other tactical gear. Authorities believe the weaponry was intended for criminal activities within the region.

Defense Minister Rafael Belaunde Llosa praised the Cupaz intervention and its successes over the past year in Pataz. He noted that the ongoing state of emergency in the province aims to disrupt criminal organizations and establish territorial control. Belaunde reported that security forces have seized numerous weapons and explosives in the last year, estimating the financial impact on criminal economies at approximately S/249 million since Cupaz's inception.

Belaunde confirmed that the ministry has not altered the existing state of emergency measures, which are set to expire in 45 days. The decision to extend the emergency will be determined by the Senate under the new legal framework. The two individuals detained have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation.

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The intervention was led by military and police personnel from the Unified Command Pataz (Cupaz), as part of the actions deployed to combat criminal organizations operating in this area.