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Government Announces Lawsuits Under Anti-Terrorism Law Following New Wave of Attacks in La Araucanía

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A new series of arson attacks affected various communes in the La Araucanía Region over the weekend, causing significant material damage and renewing criticism over the persistent rural violence in the area.

In response to these events, the Government announced the filing of lawsuits invoking the Anti-Terrorism Law. According to the Regional Ministerial Secretary of Public Security, Israel Campusano, "we will file two lawsuits for terrorist attacks, both for what happened in Vilcún and for the previous attack. The most recent one, in Cunco, is currently under evaluation."

The first two attacks were recorded last Friday in Vilcún, where unknown individuals set fire to agricultural warehouses and a main house at the Traipo estate in the General López area. Hours later, in Carahue—Cullinco Bajo sector—another group attacked heavy machinery, causing losses estimated at around 80 million pesos.

The most recent attack occurred on Sunday in the commune of Cunco, inside a forestry operation in the Huichahue locality. There, flames completely destroyed five excavators and two forestry skidders, essential equipment for the affected contractor's operations.

At all attacked locations, banners signed by the radical organization Weichan Auka Mapu (WAM) were found, claiming responsibility for the incidents and alluding to Mapuche people's demands.

Following these four attacks occurring in less than 72 hours, a Regional Police Committee was urgently convened. The body decided, together with the National Defense Headquarters, to make adjustments to security strategies to anticipate future attacks.

Finally, the Ministry of Public Security confirmed that its head, Luis Cordero, will travel to the La Araucanía Region to assess the situation on the ground and coordinate new actions with local authorities and law enforcement agencies.