18 killed – incl children in Peru massacre

At least 18 dead – including two children – in a remote part of Peru known for coca production. The Leftist Shining Path militants burnt some of the bodies beyond recognition, the military says. 

At the site of the massacre, were pamphlets, encouraging people to not vote in the June 6 Peru presidential election, according to a statement from the joint command of Peru’s Armed Forces. 

The military has called the massacre “an act of genocide” and said the militants had previously labelled similar attacks as a form of “social cleansing.” 

In the military’s statement, they assured the people of “a secure electoral process.” 

“It is likely there will be more deaths,” police commander Cesar Cervantes said. 

The UN condemned the massacre and expressed solidarity with the families. 

“In the framework of the ongoing electoral process, we call on all actors to act responsibly, avoiding hate speech that increases tensions,” said a statement from the UN office.

France24 – Peru pre-election jungle massacre 

The Rio Times – Terrorist massacre could reshuffle the cards in Peru’s polarized election campaign

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