On April 25, a military patrol fired more than 60 shots at a 4×4 vehicle in the district of Colcabamba, Huancavelica, resulting in the deaths of five civilians. Among the victims was Colombian driver Nilson Montenegro Valencia and several young individuals, allegedly linked to drug trafficking, although their families reject this narrative. A survivor, Ricardo Acuña Quispe, stated that hours before the incident, they had transported 15 kilos of cocaine base paste, but insisted that there was no confrontation or gunfire from the vehicle’s occupants. According to Acuña, the driver continued on his way upon seeing the soldiers, who, according to the official version, fired in ‘legitimate defense’ after being attacked. The events occurred in the Puente Mellizo sector, an area considered part of the valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro rivers (VRAEM), known for cocaine production. The Tayacaja Prosecutor’s Office is investigating eight military personnel for qualified homicide. The victims’ lawyer, Anthony Crespo, questioned the army’s narrative, stating that no weapons or drugs were found in the vehicle. This tragic event has sparked a debate over the use of force by authorities in the fight against drug trafficking and has left a deep mark on the local community. For more details on related incidents, you can read about the armed attack in Callao.
