Lima, April 14 – The Peruvian government has extended its state of emergency for an additional 30 days in response to a rising wave of violence linked to extortion gangs, officials announced Sunday.

The renewed measures, effective from April 17, will continue to cover metropolitan Lima and the neighboring port city of Callao. The emergency decree allows the military to assist police operations, restricts certain civil liberties, and bans motorcycle passengers — a common tactic used by hitmen in targeted killings.

Peru first declared the state of emergency in mid-March following the high-profile murder of popular singer Paul Flores. He was fatally shot by gunmen after he and his bandmates were reportedly targeted by extortionists.

President Dina Boluarte, reacting to the public outrage sparked by Flores's killing, vowed a tougher stance on gang violence. “We will not allow one more death,” she declared last month.

While extortion is a widespread issue across Latin America, authorities say the situation in Peru has become particularly dire. Criminal organizations such as Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, which operates across the region, have been blamed for escalating violence.

According to official data, more than 450 homicides have been recorded in Peru since January, many linked to gang activity.

Under the state of emergency, the government can suspend rights such as freedom of assembly and conduct warrantless searches, as it intensifies its crackdown on organized crime.