The measure gives the army control of Ayacucho, Cuzco and Junin regions where most of Peru's cocaine trade originates and the remnants of the Shining Path rebel group team up with drug-trafficking gangs to fight government forces.

The 60-day extension was decided during a regular cabinet meeting after the ministers heard reports of persistent drug trafficking and guerrilla violence in the region, despite a military crackdown launched in August, Florez said.