On Friday, demonstrators and security forces in the region in the south of the country had fought serious clashes. The attempted storming of the airport in the city of Juliaca injured 16 people, including four police officers, the Peruvian ombudsman’s office said on Saturday. According to the authorities, three people were seriously injured: a farmer was shot and two police officers were wounded by stones thrown.

Peru has been gripped by nationwide unrest since the impeachment and arrest of President Pedro Castillo on December 7. The demonstrators are protesting against Castillo’s disempowerment. They demand the resignation of his successor Boluarte and new elections. More than 22 people were killed during the protests.