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Escalation of Violence in La Araucanía: 13 Attacks Mark 2024 with Damages Exceeding $6 Billion

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• The La Araucanía Region is facing a sustained increase in attacks over the last decade, peaking at 62 in 2022 and showing a slight decrease this year, according to statistics from Acoforag.

La Araucanía, one of Chile's most conflict-ridden regions, has recorded a total of 13 attacks so far in 2024, maintaining the trend of violence that has characterized the area over the past decade, according to statistics from the Association of Forestry Contractors (Acoforag).

Since 2014, the number of attacks has been on the rise, reaching a peak of 62 in 2022, according to industry data. This year, although the figures show a decline, concerns about security and stability in the region remain high.

The conflict in La Araucanía has escalated significantly since 2014, when only one attack was recorded. In the following years, the number grew, with 9 attacks in 2015 and a jump to 17 in 2016. The situation fluctuated until 2020, when a dramatic increase to 40 attacks occurred, followed by 49 in 2021 and the aforementioned peak in 2022.

The distribution and frequency indicate that the total number of attacks since 2014 to date is 237, reflecting the severity of the situation.

Although the initial projection for 2024 was 26 attacks, based on previous years' trends, the current figure suggests there may be a decrease in violence. However, it is too early to determine whether this downward trend will continue throughout the year.

Additionally, from 2014 to date, 817 attacks have been recorded, with a peak of 192 in 2022. This growth not only poses a challenge to regional security but also has a significant economic impact. Estimated losses amount to 6,922 million pesos.

This year, 17 contractors have been directly affected, and it is estimated that around 1,700 workers have suffered the consequences of these violent acts, whether through job loss, damage to machinery, or the inability to carry out their work normally.

Therefore, La Araucanía remains a high-tension zone in Chile, with a history of violence that has deeply affected its inhabitants. While authorities work to find a solution, the hope for lasting peace remains the aspiration of those living amid the conflict.