Peru: Two loggers killed in bow and arrow attack after ‘trespassing on uncontacted tribe’s land’ in Amazon

Two loggers have been killed in a bow-and-arrow attack that allegedly occurred after they entered the territory of the isolated Mashco Piro indigenous tribe deep in the Peruvian Amazon.

Tensions between loggers and tribes are rising, according to the human rights group Fenamad, which defends the rights of the country’s indigenous people.

Fenamad, an organization that brings together 39 indigenous communities living in the Cuzco and Madre de Dios regions in the southeastern part of the country, Perusaid two other loggers involved in the attack were missing and one was injured, and a rescue operation was underway.

The incident occurred on August 29 in the Pariamanu River basin when loggers were widening the passages into the forest and came across a tribe known for its territory.

“The Peruvian state has failed to take preventive and protective measures to ensure the lives and integrity of the workers who have been seriously affected,” Fenamad said in a statement on Tuesday.

The group said the attack occurred about 15 miles (25 km) from the site of an incident in July when Mashco Piro also attacked loggers.

Fenamad said in a statement that despite the government warning about the risk of increased violence, no action had been taken.

“It’s a hot and tense situation,” said Cesar Ipenza, an Amazonian lawyer who specializes in environmental law in Peru.

“Undoubtedly, tensions are growing every day between indigenous people in isolation and the various activities in the territory through which their ancestors pass.”

Read more:
Rare footage of uncontacted tribe shows members emerging from Amazon jungle
Rare footage of tribe out of contact shows danger
The Mystery of the World’s Uncontacted Tribes

In 2022, two loggers were shot with a bow and arrow while fishing, and one of them was killed in a clash with tribal members.

In January, Peru eased restrictions on deforestation in what critics called an “anti-forest law.”

(c) Sky News 2024: Peru: Two loggers killed in bow and arrow attack after ‘entering uncontrolled area’