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Killed in Police Operation is Key Figure in Weichán Auka Mapu Group

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• Police intervention in southern Chile leaves fatal toll and captures members of radical group.

The Biobío Region was the scene of a large-scale police operation that resulted in the death of one man and the arrest of seven individuals linked to the Weichán Auka Mapu (WAM) group. The regional prosecutor of La Araucanía, Roberto Garrido, along with other authorities, provided details about the operation, which also left one officer injured.

In an unprecedented security deployment, Chilean police forces clashed with members of the Weichán Auka Mapu group, resulting in the death of Echivaldo Bastías Vidal, who, according to Prosecutor Garrido, was a key figure within the organization and in charge of firearm production. Undersecretary of the Interior Manuel Monsalve confirmed that Bastías Vidal had fired at PDI personnel before being killed.

The operation, which involved nearly 200 PDI officers and Navy personnel, stemmed from the murder of Mapuche community member Manuel Huenupil in May 2022. Authorities emphasized that WAM's actions do not seek a legitimate struggle but instead focus on committing crimes that primarily affect humble individuals and members of the Mapuche people.

Presidential delegate José Montalva reiterated that those arrested are not fighting for legitimate causes but are committing serious crimes that hinder the region's development. Despite the arrests, Prosecutor Garrido was cautious in declaring whether WAM had been completely dismantled, noting that such organizations are capable of regrouping.

During the operation, weapons, ammunition, camouflage clothing, bulletproof vests, radio equipment, and digital devices were recovered. General Prefect and Deputy Director of the PDI, Consuelo Peña, reported that the injured officer is in stable condition and receiving treatment in the La Araucanía region.

This event marks a critical point in the conflict affecting southern Chile, where violence and territorial disputes have created a climate of constant tension.