In a speech from one of the most troubled areas of the country, the president José Jerí declared this Tuesday that there is a “war” against drug trafficking and organized crime during his visit to the military base in the Valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro rivers (VRAEM).
The president arrived accompanied by ministers and senior military officers as part of his national tour, with the objective of inspecting the work of the VRAEM Special Command, where terrorist remnants and powerful organizations linked to drug trafficking operate.
The head of state did not mince words when addressing the soldiers deployed in this area of the country, considered the epicenter of illegal economies that fuel national crime. He described mafias and criminals as “enemies” who seek to destabilize Peru through new strategies and tricks.
“As in any war, the enemy changes strategy, uses new tricks and tries to put the system in check. And we are not going to allow it,” Jerí stated before the uniformed men, warning that his government will react “immediately” and “strongly” to any planned criminal action against the State.
“What has not been done before, will be done now”
The president assured that his administration will promote unprecedented measures to combat the wave of crime, even recognizing that it is not possible to anticipate all criminal acts. However, he insisted that there is an absolute commitment from the Executive and the authorities at all levels to confront this phenomenon that is hitting the country.
“Not everything can be prevented, but there is the firm commitment and will of the government and all its authorities (…) to confront the problem. What has not been done before will be done now. We have to redouble our efforts,” he emphasized.
The presence of the president in the VRAEM was interpreted as a forceful political gesture in the midst of the increase in crime and growing citizen demands for stronger security actions. His speech sought to raise the morale of the forces deployed in the area, while reinforcing the narrative of a government determined to confront the illegal groups operating in the region.
A direct call to the soldiers: “Win the internal war”
In the final section of his message, Jerí addressed an energetic call to the soldiers who make up the VRAEM Special Command, highlighting their fundamental role in the recovery of national security and stability in the most vulnerable areas.
“You, our soldiers… continue to do your best to win the internal war we have. I urge you with a sense of patriotism to finish the pending tasks and return glory and tranquility to our population in every corner of the country,” said the president.
