Lima and Callao face surge in public transport attacks, matching 2025's total in seven months

Lima and Callao are grappling with a surge in violence against public transportation, with 107 attacks recorded in the first seven months of 2026 alone. This figure already equals the total number of incidents reported throughout the entire previous year, according to official data from the Public Ministry.

The wave of attacks is occurring amidst a broader crisis of extortion and blackmail, which has seen 12,634 complaints filed nationwide between January and June. This translates to an average of 70 complaints per day, highlighting the pervasive nature of organized crime.

Authorities are responding to the escalating violence with intensified police operations targeting extortion rings. In a recent operation, police apprehended a Colombian national, identified as Jarny Ortiz García, who was injured during a confrontation. García reportedly confessed to his involvement and provided information leading to the arrest of Kateryn Estefany Muros Márquez and Paola de los Ángeles Olivo Zumoza.

The arrests are linked to an attack on a Translima bus on July 21, which injured a passenger. Investigations revealed that the apprehended suspects allegedly used a firearm and a motorcycle to carry out the assault. The operation also led to the seizure of cash, bank cards, and other items.

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He accepted his participation in the events and pointed out a woman known as 'Katy' as the person who provided him with the firearm and the motorcycle used to commit the illicit act.