U.S. Condemns Attack on Innocent Peruvian Family and U.S. Agency for International Development Contractors

On August 10, unknown assailants ambushed a boat carrying United States Agency for International Development alternative development contractors, Peruvian government officials and a private family near the small town of San Alejandro, a community in Perú’s Amazon basin. At least six persons suffered gunshot wounds and other injuries, and a five-month-old child died. The victims were Peruvian. We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims of this attack, and to their families.

The U.S. Government condemns this brutal act of violence. We ask that the government of Perú bring the perpetrators to justice. We appreciate the government’s efforts so far to investigate the shootings, and are assisting in every way possible.

The contractors were in the region to promote alternative development as a part of the Peruvian government’s counternarcotics strategy. We are working closely with Peruvian authorities, non-governmental organizations, local communities and individual farmers to promote integrated alternative development while combating drug trafficking at its source. These efforts will continue.