AGP Executive Report

Shield of the Americas: Peru’s President Keiko Fujimori says the country will join the U.S.-led “Shield of the Americas” coalition to fight drug cartels, with Marco Rubio calling the move a push for faster intelligence-sharing and cross-border action. Diplomacy & backlash: Rubio’s visit also sparked protests in Lima, with critics warning Peru must balance ties with the U.S. and other powers. Security escalation: The U.S. expanded its “foreign terrorist” list in Latin America, designating Ecuador’s gang Los Tiguerones as a terrorist group tied to narcotrafficking and attacks on civilians and media. Culture & Peru tie-ins: BTS will bring South America “Arirang” concerts to cinemas worldwide, including a Lima stop, while Peru’s Chan Chan continues to yield major archaeology finds, including a sealed elite Chimú mausoleum with 38 bodies. Travel & safety: A Delta flight carrying Spider-Man star Andrew Garfield made an emergency landing after smoke filled the cabin.

Americas Security: Peru’s President Keiko Fujimori says the country will join the US-led “Shield of the Americas” coalition after talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, framing it as a way to hit cross-border organized crime without compromising sovereignty. US-Ties & China Tensions: Rubio’s Lima stop also drew a sharp response from China’s embassy, which criticized his concerns about Chinese Communist Party-linked projects and Peru’s data/security risks. Protests in Lima: Hundreds of Peruvians marched against Rubio’s visit and Peru’s participation in the Shield. Crime Crackdown Messaging: Rubio said the US will work with Peru on a crime crackdown but offered few operational details. Peru Earthquake: A 5.4 quake hit northern Amazonas near Condorcanqui early Thursday; authorities reported no fatalities or major damage so far. Meta & Peru: Meta is testing Community Notes across Latin America, including Peru, as fact-check groups warn it could replace independent verification. Climate Watch: Global heat hit a new record in August, while El Niño conditions are increasing odds of a wetter, stormier winter for California. Sports: Club Alianza Lima confirmed for the 2026 FIVB Women’s Club World Championship in São Paulo.

Climate Watch: The EU’s Copernicus monitor says August was the hottest single month on record globally, with ocean temperatures also hitting unprecedented highs, while the UN warns the world will keep sliding into “uncharted territory” unless fossil fuels are phased out. Peru & Security: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Washington will seek an extra $45 million for Ecuador to fight drug cartels, as he defends strikes on suspected trafficking boats and argues cartels will “eat these countries alive” without tougher action. Peru & Mining/Markets: Coppernico says its Peruvian unit Sombrero Minerales signed a Phase 2 drilling deal for its Sombrero copper-gold project in Ayacucho, pending Peru’s start-of-activities authorization. Peru & Trade: Peru’s table grape exports rose 17.1% to about US$790M in 1H 2026, with Peru cited as a growing fresh origin reshaping global supply. Global Health: In the U.S., chikungunya travel cases reached 89 with no local spread reported, shifting risk to trip planning and mosquito precautions.

US-Ecuador Security Crackdown: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated Ecuador’s Los Tiguerones gang a terrorist organization, citing links to drug trafficking and attacks on civilians, police, and journalists—after the group’s 2024 takeover of a TV studio in Guayaquil. Peru Indigenous Rights Under Pressure: In Loreto, Indigenous leader Olivia Bisa Tirko says she was targeted in a new attack while traveling with her family; her complaint was reportedly initially blocked by local police, prompting calls for urgent protection. Bolivia Far-Right Scandal: Bolivia’s Fernando Cerimedo case is widening across the region, with allegations of corruption and links to right-wing networks after his arrest and a violent attack on his partner. Peru Trade Watch: Peru’s exports hit $63.521B through July (+33%), driven by mining—especially copper and gold—while agriculture rose modestly. Tech & Media: Meta has started testing Community Notes in 16 Spanish-speaking Latin American countries, including Peru, as it moves away from its professional fact-checking model.

US-Peru Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio kicked off a three-nation Latin America push with Colombia, then heads to Ecuador and Peru, saying Washington wants to “restore” ties and deepen cooperation on narcoterrorism, security, and trade. Critical Minerals & Nuclear Deals: In Barranquilla, Rubio and Colombia’s new president signed agreements on critical-minerals supply chains and civilian nuclear cooperation—moves that also frame Peru as a key partner in the region. China vs. US on Peru Investment: China’s embassy in Lima hit back at Rubio’s claims that Chinese-backed projects threaten transparency and data security, pointing to the Chancay port investment and insisting it follows Peruvian law. Peru Archaeology: Archaeologists uncovered an almost intact Chimu funerary platform near Chan Chan, with remains of at least 38 people and rare, largely untouched artifacts. Mining Watch: Pecoy Copper updated its Peru project targets after integrating new geophysics with drilling results, while Patriot Resources secured community land access to start drilling a major silver-gold project in Peru. El Niño Response: Peru’s government is stepping up measures for El Niño, including infrastructure and preparedness efforts.

US-Led Latin Tour: Secretary of State Marco Rubio kicked off a Colombia-Ecuador-Peru trip, aiming to lock in “good, solid” trade deals and deepen security cooperation with leaders aligned with President Donald Trump. In Colombia, he met President Abelardo de la Espriella and discussed earthquake response, anti-narcoterrorism efforts, and new commercial ties. Rubio also said Peru will join the “Shield of the Americas” coalition to combat drug trafficking. Peru Health & Care: Clínica Internacional in Lima launched a Sept. 7–10 training with the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario to advance best-practice care and patient outcomes. Archaeology in Chan Chan: Peru’s Ministry of Culture announced an exceptional Chan Chan funerary platform discovery, including remains of 38 people and high-status grave goods. El Niño Pressure on Peru: Peru’s government is responding to El Niño impacts, including plans to protect connectivity and address population needs. Mercury Risk in the Amazon: New analysis highlights mercury contamination affecting hundreds of Indigenous and riverside communities across Peru and the wider Amazon basin. Pope Leo in Callao: Callao plans the world’s largest statue of Pope Leo XIV ahead of his November visit.

Public Safety: Peru’s chief of police resigned after a sharp rise in homicides in August, as authorities face renewed pressure to curb violence. Infrastructure & Trade: Peru’s National Port Authority approved the master plan for the Corío Port Terminal in Arequipa, a multipurpose project with over US$800m planned investment aimed at boosting southern Peru’s links to international markets. Crime & Policy: Peru declared a 60-day state of emergency across five maximum-security prisons to confront criminal gangs. Economy & Industry: Peru’s Chancay–Shanghai shipping route has topped 10 billion yuan in trade value, with cargo volume and goods types expanding since the route began in 2024. Climate Risk: Researchers across Peru, Chile, and Argentina are pushing for better monitoring and risk mapping after Nepal’s glacial disaster, warning that warming is increasing the odds of deadly glacier events. Business & Markets: XS.com held a private seminar in Lima to connect with local traders and partners, highlighting growth in retail trading interest.

Peru Security: Peru’s top police commander, Gen. Óscar Arriola, announced his resignation amid mounting criticism over a violent-crime surge, with authorities set to name a replacement in the coming days. Diplomacy & Trade: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is launching a South America tour aligned with Trump-era priorities, including meetings with Colombia’s Abelardo de la Espriella, Ecuador’s Daniel Noboa, and Peru’s Keiko Fujimori, with a focus on anti–narcoterrorism and deeper commerce. El Niño Watch: NOAA confirms a very strong El Niño, with updated measurements raising concerns for extreme weather impacts that could ripple into Peru’s agriculture and economy. Culture & Heritage: Cusco is running “Cusco Celebra Limpio,” a UNESCO-backed push to protect heritage during major festivals, using “green points” and recycling to recover about four tons of reusable materials. Mining & Tech: Chilean startup MineWatch raised $900,000 to expand IoT connectivity for underground mining, with operations already underway in Peru.

Police Shake-Up in Peru: Peru’s National Police chief Óscar Arriola resigned amid mounting criticism over rising crime, with General Fredy López Mendoza named to lead the force and the government promising tougher action and new tools. El Niño Warning: The UN’s weather agency says El Niño is intensifying into a “supersized” event that could last until February 2027, raising risks of floods, droughts, and extreme heat that could hit Peru’s economy too, including anchovy fishing disruptions. Peru-Iran Fallout on Prices: Peru is feeling higher costs tied to the Iran conflict as oil prices surge, feeding inflation pressures in Lima and beyond. Navy Gets New Tech: SES and the Peruvian Navy expanded multi-orbit satellite connectivity for coastal bases, ships, and aircraft, boosting secure communications. Tourism Update: Machu Picchu Inca Trail entry is set to resume Sept. 5, with Peru reporting 1.95 million international tourists from January to July 2026.

Diplomatic Shift: Peru’s President Keiko Fujimori backed a US war push and broke diplomatic ties with Iran, signaling closer alignment with Washington amid rising Middle East tensions. Public Safety Crackdown: The Peruvian executive declared a 60-day state of emergency in five maximum-security prisons, with police taking direct control and the Armed Forces supporting perimeter security and contraband sweeps. Crime & Drugs: State police seized nearly 3 tons of cannabis on I-80 in Peru, arresting two men posing as Amazon drivers and facing up to 60 years. Sports & Youth: Lima confirmed the 2027 Pan-Am Games will offer direct qualification toward LA 2028 across 20 sports (and 14 in the Parapan Games). Tourism: Peru reported 1.95 million international tourists from January to July 2026, with a possible boost tied to a Pope Leo XIV visit. Regional Economy: Peru’s PM presented the 2027 budget as a “turning point” to resume growth, while finance officials move to cut tax evasion.

Public Safety: Peru has declared a 60-day state of emergency in five maximum-security prisons—Challapalca (Tacna), Cochamarca (Pasco), Miguel Castro Castro and Ancon I (Lima), and Trujillo Varones (La Libertad)—with the National Police taking direct control and the Armed Forces supporting operations. The decree also suspends certain constitutional rights within a 200-meter perimeter around the facilities, aiming to stop escapes and disrupt gang activity through strict access controls, intelligence work, airspace surveillance, and confiscations of phones, SIM cards, and weapons. Tourism Watch: Peru welcomed 1.96 million international tourists from January to July 2026, a slight dip of 0.1% year-on-year, with arrivals led by Chile and major entry through Jorge Chávez airport. Crime & Politics: A Peruvian investigation alleges Popular Force received funding from Argentina’s far-right strategist Fernando Cerimedo’s circle to back disinformation efforts tied to Keiko Fujimori. Economy/Trade: Peru’s government is pushing forward free-trade talks and market access across Asia and beyond, including moves involving Thailand.

Prison Security Crackdown: Peru declared a 60-day state of emergency in five high-security prisons, letting police and the Armed Forces control internal order and secure up to 200 meters around facilities to stop escapes and criminal groups operating from inside. International Spotlight: Miss World 2026 crowned Dominican Republic’s Joheirry Mola, while Peru’s Josiane Sciotti advanced to the Top 20/Top 40 stage in the pageant held in Nha Trang, Vietnam. Indigenous Rights: Indigenous women in Paraguay renewed calls for official recognition of traditional midwives, citing discrimination and lack of services that push many women to rely on community birth attendants. Local Education Watch: LaSalle-Peru Township High School District 120 administrators in Illinois averaged $113,599 in 2025, ranking 410th in the state. Sports (Peru Mention): Peru State College and other regional teams were highlighted in college sports schedules and rosters.

Peru-China Trade: Peruvian bananas have made a historic debut in China, with a first 19.6-ton shipment arriving via the Chancay–Shanghai route and clearing customs at Yangshan Port—highlighting faster transit and tariff-free entry. Local Business Pressure: Gamarra’s small garment traders in La Victoria are protesting what they call repeated, disproportionate municipal inspections and fines that have shut down thousands of tiny work modules. El Niño Response: Peru’s government is pushing measures to strengthen response capacity as El Niño risk continues, including actions tied to prevention and local support. Education Results Watch: UNESCO is preparing to release ERCE 2025 learning results for Latin America and the Caribbean, with Peru among participating countries. Security & Diplomacy: Peru is also boosting cooperation with Germany on security and investment, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru next week.

Peru Security Update: Peru police pursuit ended with no charges and no one detained so far, after an incident that had triggered a school lockdown in La Salle County. El Niño Preparedness: Peru’s government is strengthening response capacity for El Niño, including deploying Peruvian Navy vessels along the coast starting mid-November as heavy-rain risk rises. Economy & Trade: Peru’s finance ministry says it’s pushing to reduce tax evasion to recover an additional US$6 billion, while exports in 2Q 2026 totaled about US$109.4 billion. Mining & Industry: Mining investment is being framed as a growth engine through 2030, with new drilling and sector deal activity highlighted. Tech & Finance: UIN, a fintech behavior platform, says it raised US$2 million to help banks and fintechs use AI to turn transactions into repeat habits, with operations across Peru and the region. Local Culture: Peru’s presence shows up in community events, including a Latin Heritage Parade featuring performers from Peru and other countries.

El Niño Fallout in Peru: Peru’s anchovy fishery is taking a major hit as warming seas disrupt stocks and cut catches, with the first-season quota far from targets and fishing suspended in central and northern waters—raising fears of a lost second season and job losses. Climate Risk for the Andes: Researchers warn that Peru and other Andean countries face growing glacial-lake outburst dangers as glaciers melt and unstable ice walls collapse, with Peru flagged as especially vulnerable. Diplomacy & Security: Peru’s foreign policy moves continue amid regional tensions, including meetings to deepen ties with South Korea and broader efforts to strengthen security cooperation. Energy & Industry: Spain’s Norvento is expanding utility-scale energy storage across Latin America, while Peru’s port and navy infrastructure news points to continued investment in strategic capacity. Finance Watch: Revolut says it received conditional U.S. approval for a national bank charter, aiming for a 2027 launch. Trade Boost: The UK’s full access to the CPTPP is highlighted as a major opportunity for member economies including Peru.

El Niño Watch: The World Meteorological Organization says there’s near-100% odds the current El Niño will last through next February, with forecasts pointing to strengthening into a very strong event and peak late this year—raising risks of floods, drought, and extreme heat. Peru-Ukraine Ties: Ukraine’s Zelensky spoke with Peru’s President Keiko Fujimori, thanking her for keeping Lima’s condemnation of Russia’s invasion unchanged and discussing drone tech plus ways to deepen trade. Peru-Iran Break: The U.S. backed Peru’s decision to cut diplomatic relations with Iran, calling it a “brave step” tied to democratic deterioration and Hormuz-related trade disruption. Crime Crackdown: Peru confirmed the arrest in Bolivia of “Jhonsson Pulpo,” accused of leading the Pulpos extortion network; officials say it may disrupt the group but won’t end the crisis. Tourism/Travel: Thailand will cut visa-free stays to 30 days from Sept. 15, while Peru travelers get 90 days visa-free. Local Safety: Police arrested all three suspects in a Peru Casey’s robbery after a search.