Peru's armed forces to take control of key infrastructure amid protests

Peru's armed forces will take control of the "protection" of key infrastructure, its defense minister said Tuesday, as protests that have led to at least six deaths continue across the country following the ousting of its former president. Peru's new president, Dina Boluarte, had earlier in the day pledged to work with Congress to see if the next election could be held sooner than previously proposed and pleaded for calm. She also said she would speak with other regional leaders who came to the defense of jailed former President Pedro Castillo. The former vice president was sworn in last Wednesday after Castillo illegally sought to dissolve Congress hours before being swiftly removed from office by lawmakers, and arrested shortly afterward. The move has led to angry and sometimes violent protests by Castillo's supporters demanding a fresh presidential election, which have been met by police dispersing tear gas and gunfire in an effort to quell the unrest. Three airports, in Apurimac, Arequipa and the tourist hub of Cusco remained shuttered on Tuesday due to the unrest. Police reported that there were highway blockades Tuesday morning in 13 of the country's 24 regions. In response to the disruptions, Defense Minister Alberto Otarola said Peru's government would declare a state of emergency on the highway system to guarantee free transit. The country's armed forces were also charged with the "protection" of infrastructure including airports and hydroelectric plants, Otarola told journalists late Tuesday.<br/>