Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Urban transport unions in Peru announced a two-day strike for Wednesday and Thursday to protest a surge in violence, extortion and attacks against drivers and transport company owners.
Union leaders said more than 22,000 public transport vehicles in Lima and the neighboring port city of Callao will stop operating during the strike, seeking to pressure the government to take effective action against organized crime.
According to official figures, 37 people linked to the transport sector had been killed nationwide as of Sunday. Lima and Callao accounted for 15 of those homicides, highlighting the deterioration of public security, the newspaper El Comercio reported.
In response to rising violence, the Peruvian government declared a state of emergency in Lima and Callao in October to strengthen security.
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