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Death of Three Police Officers Confirmed in Ambush During Attack in Cañete

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• The arson attack occurred during a nighttime patrol. The identities were released by Carabineros de Chile. The government declared three days of national mourning.

In the early hours of this Saturday, the community of Cañete and the Carabineros de Chile institution face one of the most tragic news in their recent history. Three uniformed police officers were killed in a suspected ambush while conducting patrol duties in the town of Antiquina, south of Cañete, Biobío Region.

The events unfolded around 1:00 AM at kilometer 25 of Route P72S, where firefighters found a police patrol vehicle in flames with the bodies of the officers inside. The victims have been identified as Corporals 1st Class Sergio Arévalo Lobos and Misael Vidal Cid, and Sergeant 1st Class Carlos Cisterna Navarro, all members of the Fourth Police Station for Control and Public Order of Los Álamos.

The presidential delegate in Arauco, Humberto Toro, confirmed the deaths of the three officers and described the incident as a "regrettable attack" against the Carabineros' Public Order Patrol (COP). Although gunfire was reported in the area, specific details of the attack remain under investigation.

In response to the attack, Interior Minister Carolina Tohá announced that President Gabriel Boric has declared three days of national mourning. Additionally, she pledged full support to reinforce the investigation and bring those responsible to justice.

The Carabineros institution expressed its grief on Twitter, condemning the "horrible murder" of its members and extending condolences to the affected families and colleagues. The tragedy coincides with the institution's anniversary, leading to a change in how the date is commemorated. Authorities, including the President, will travel to the area to pay tribute near the victims' families and the grieving community.

The incident area is currently secured by Armed Forces personnel, pending direction from the Public Prosecutor's Office to proceed with relevant procedures.

This attack has not only shaken the Carabineros institution and the residents of the Biobío Region but has also resonated nationwide, highlighting the security challenges Chile faces and the need for a firm and unified response against violence.

Photo Biobio Chile