A powerful explosion rocked a street in Trujillo, a northern Peruvian city grappling with rampant organized crime, injuring at least 10 people and damaging 25 homes on Thursday night. Authorities suspect the blast, which also disrupted electricity and affected several vehicles, may be tied to turf wars among criminal groups engaged in extortion, a growing scourge in Peru.

Interior Minister Carlos Malaver stated that the explosion could stem from disputes between gangs, as extortion cases have surged across the country. Official data reports 15,989 extortion complaints from January to July 2025, a 28% increase from the same period in 2024. The incident marks the second explosion in Peru on Thursday, following a blast at a Lima gym that caused no immediate injuries.

Trujillo, located in La Libertad state, has become a hotspot for violent crime, with explosive attacks targeting small businesses and public transport buses reported almost daily. The state’s emergency service agency noted that some victims of the Trujillo blast suffered burns and cuts, though further details on their conditions were not provided. La Libertad officials have previously admitted that criminal activity often overwhelms local police resources.

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The rise in such attacks highlights Peru’s struggle to curb organized crime, particularly in urban centers like Trujillo and Lima. The government faces mounting pressure to address the escalating violence as communities reel from the impact of these brazen acts.

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