Thirteen people, including miners and security guards, were found dead in a gold mine in Peru’s Pataz province after being abducted by illegal miners. Despite a state of emergency and police presence, violence continues in the area. Authorities have launched an investigation and are authorized to use firearms if necessary.

The bodies of thirteen people were discovered in a mine in Peru on Sunday, days after they were abducted. The chilling find was made in a gold mine located in Peru's Pataz province, which lies in the northern La Libertad region, about 560 miles (900 kilometers) from the capital, Lima.

According to the mayor of Pataz, who spoke with broadcaster Canal N, the victims, including miners and security guards, were found tied up in a pit. The mining company Poderosa confirmed the discovery in a statement, explaining that the victims had been kidnapped by illegal miners in collaboration with criminal groups. The workers had been employed by a service provider used by Poderosa, a major gold mining company that has frequently been targeted by armed groups involved in illegal mining activities.

The area where the mine is situated has been under a state of emergency for over two years due to ongoing violence and unrest. Despite this, the mining company highlighted the failure to contain the situation, with the increasing violence continuing despite the state of emergency and the presence of a large police contingent. "Unfortunately, the police force has been unable to stop the worsening security conditions in the region," the company said.

In response to the deaths, Peru's interior ministry announced the deployment of organized crime investigators to look into the case. The ministry also emphasized that its agents have full authorization to use firearms if the situation demands it.