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Operation ‘Dante’ Frees 15 Hostages From Seized Pataz Mine

The joint military–police action, launched after two captives alerted patrols to murder threats, is being framed as a step in Peru’s campaign to curb illegal mining.

Overview

  • Comando Unificado Pataz carried out the rescue on October 27 at the Gladis Quispe mine in Pueblo Nuevo, Pataz, La Libertad.
  • Initial patrols responding to a usurpation complaint encountered gunfire, explosions and burned vehicles linked to illegal-mining groups.
  • Specialized units from DIROPESP-GRECCO and the Joint Special Force entered the site, exchanged fire and secured the area.
  • All 15 captives were freed without reported injuries and were transferred to DIVPOL Pataz for verification of their condition.
  • A post-operation sweep found the mine sealed and evidence including spent casings and explosives, and authorities say the mission advances efforts to reassert state control in the region.