Reuters:
LIMA, Jan 7 – Dozens of protesters attempted to take over an airport near Peru’s border with Bolivia Friday as part of anti-government protests, prompting police to use tear gas to disperse them.
Protesters set fire to a police tank outside the Inca Manco Capac airport in Juliaca, in Peru’s Puno region, according to images on social media and local television.
Protests against President Dina Boluarte resumed this week after a two-week pause, following violent clashes in December that left 22 dead after the removal and arrest of former President Pedro Castillo.
News outlets in Puno reported 15 injured, including two policemen. The healthy ministry did not immediately confirm the reports.
Andean Airports of Peru, which operates the Juliaca airport, said services were suspended “due to the violent acts and lack of security.”
In December, protesters forced the temporary closure of three airports in Peru.
Demonstrators demand Boluarte’s resignation, the closure of Congress, constitutional changes and Castillo’s release. The former president is serving 18 months in pre-trial detention while being investigated for “rebellion” after illegally trying to close Congress, a charge he denies.
