Peru and U.S. renew aerial counter-narcotics cooperation after two-decade hiatus

On August 12, the Peruvian government declared its intention to resume an aerial anti-drug cooperation agreement with the United States.

This decision comes after a break of over 20 years due to prior incidents, most notably when a Peruvian aircraft mistakenly shot down a US missionary plane in 2001, resulting in two fatalities.

Amidst the ongoing political turmoil in Peru, which intensified since the removal of President Pedro Castillo on December 7, 2022, the Council of Ministers unveiled the bilateral agreement.

Alberto Otárola, head of the Council, announced this cooperation during his inspection of the National Police of Peru’s Command, Control, and Communications Operations Center (C4).

As elaborated by the Peruvian government’s statement, the collaboration will grant the Peruvian Air Force access to US support.

This includes areas like radar technology, intelligence sharing, funding, communication tools, maintenance, training, and logistical, technical, and administrative backing to counteract drug trafficking.

Otárola sternly warned drug cartels, emphasizing the nation’s determination to tackle the influx of illegal aircraft breaching their airspace, vowing firm action against such intrusions.

Although Otárola expressed that this pact aligns with President Dina Boluarte’s drug-containment efforts in Peru, the move hasn’t been free of controversy.

Earlier in May 2023, Boluarte faced criticism for permitting the deployment of US troops in Peru.

Furthermore, a segment of the Peruvian populace has recently criticized US Ambassador to Peru, Lisa Kenna, for perceived interferences in the country’s domestic affairs.

In addition to strengthening ties with the US, Otárola highlighted the government’s intent to enhance cooperation with neighboring nations like Ecuador, especially in light of recent events like the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio.