Armed group raids gold mine in Peru, takes 4 hostages

In a statement, Peru's Interior Ministry said a group of "armed criminals" entered the Poderosa gold mine in Pataz province, used explosives, "violently clashed with the company's (Poderosa) security guards and took four people hostage," according to Reuters.

Seven guards who tried to repel the attack and two miners were among the dead. Officials said two miners were killed when the attackers threw explosives into the mine shaft, AFP reported.

Peru's Interior Ministry said 15 people were injured, but state media later put the number at 23.

According to the Peruvian Interior Ministry, police have "controlled the situation", seven people have been arrested and many weapons have been confiscated. The Peruvian Interior Ministry added that they have ordered special forces to the area to support local police.

Peruvian National Police during a raid on an illegal mining operation in the country.

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Authorities said they were still investigating the motive for the attack, AFP reported, citing Peruvian media.

Previously, in May, at least 27 workers died in a fire at a gold mine in the Arequipa region of southern Peru, according to AFP.

Mining is one of the engines of Peru's economy , accounting for more than 8% of GDP. Peru is the world's second-largest copper producer and a major producer of gold and silver, according to Reuters.

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