Peru: Violent left-wing protesters take over several areas in Lima

The capital of Peru experienced an intense day this Thursday after several groups of protesters violently took to the city to demand the resignation of President Dina Boluarte.

The protesters came mainly from the south of the country to partake in the "toma de Lima" as a continuation of the social outburst that was already taking place throughout the nation due to .

The government had already declared a state of emergency, but the former president's supporters decided to go out to protest anyway, and as the hours passed the intensity of the protests increased.

The capital turned into a kind of battle field after the protesters took to the streets surrounding the Government Palace and the seat of Congress, which was being guarded by several police officers.

Authorities tried to disperse the crowds with tear gas bombs after protesters became violent in several areas of the capital. However, the situation only worsened.

Late in the evening, a fire broke out in a building near the Government Palace, where there was a crowd of protesters. The fire department had to go to the scene immediately to attend to the emergency, but the fire spread from the top of the building to the second floor.

Meanwhile, in another area of the city, disturbances also began to be reported, and once again, the police tried to clear out the protesters by throwing tear gas bombs.

Dina Boluarte speaks out

After the day of protests, the president decided to make a statement to the nation condemning the violent acts and assuring that she was able to record "the movement of the marches."

She also affirmed that she will act within the framework of the law to punish those who have used violence during this wave of protests.

"They want to generate chaos and disorder to seize power of the nation. And they are wrong. From the government we tell them that the situation is under control because we will act with the full weight of the law," she said.

The number of deaths resulting from the protests rose to 54 and could continue to rise if the protests continue throughout the country.