Armed clashes in Llochegua, Peru exposed the ongoing narcoterrorist threat in the VRAEM region during a police transport operation.
Key Facts
- Date
- July 21, 2017
- Police officers injured
- 9
- Other casualties
- 1 prosecutor injured
- Drug leader status
- Ali Cueva Rojas recaptured after escape attempt
- Location
- Los Angeles area, Llochegua–Pichari highway, VRAEM
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Peruvian security forces had destroyed clandestine drug production laboratories in the VRAEM region, prompting insurgents allied with drug traffickers to retaliate. The immediate trigger was the police transport of drug trafficking leader Ali Cueva Rojas through the Los Angeles area on the highway connecting the districts of Llochegua and Pichari.
On the afternoon of July 21, 2017, narcoterrorist insurgents ambushed Peruvian National Police officers who were transporting Ali Cueva Rojas in the district of Llochegua. The joint VRAEM command dispatched a helicopter to provide air support to the outnumbered police forces during the firefight.
Nine police officers and one prosecutor sustained injuries during the confrontation. Ali Cueva Rojas, who attempted to flee during the clash, was recaptured by security forces, marking a tactical success for the Peruvian authorities despite the casualties incurred.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent