Peru's new leader sends military into crime hotbeds

Peru's newly inaugurated President Keiko Fujimori has declared a tough stance against the country's escalating crime wave, announcing the deployment of the military to areas plagued by criminal activity.

In her inaugural address to Congress on Tuesday, the conservative leader stated that the armed forces would temporarily take charge of security operations under a state of emergency. This measure aims to restore order in regions heavily impacted by crime, drug trafficking, and illegal mining, with the goal of eventually returning control to citizens.

Fujimori, who won a narrow victory in June's presidential election with 50.13 percent of the vote against left-wing candidate Roberto Sanchez, faces significant political division. Her inauguration was immediately met with a protest from left-wing members of Congress, who walked out of the hall in opposition to her taking office.

The 51-year-old president follows in the footsteps of her father, Alberto Fujimori, who served as Peru's president from 1990 to 2000. Her presidency marks a significant moment, but her policy on security and the reaction from the opposition highlight the deep political fissures within the country.

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The armed forces will temporarily lead security operations under a state of emergency until these areas can be returned to citizens.