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Forestry Workers Recount Moments of Terror After Armed Attack in Collipulli

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A violent armed assault targeted forestry contractors at the Jauja property, owned by Forestal Mininco, in the commune of Collipulli, La Araucanía Region. The attack, carried out by heavily armed, hooded individuals, left the workers in shock and highlighted the persistent insecurity in the area despite the state of emergency in place since 2022.

The Attack

According to victim testimonies gathered by Meganoticias, the incident occurred when a pickup truck was escorting a truck transporting machinery for timber extraction in a rural area. Along the way, they were intercepted by two individuals wearing bulletproof vests and balaclavas, who threatened them with long weapons and forced them out of the vehicle.

One of the affected workers recounted the terrifying moment:“There were two hooded individuals wearing bulletproof vests and balaclavas. At first glance, they blended in very well with the surroundings, almost like they could pass for locals. When they got out of the vehicle, they did so aggressively, pushing us and ordering: ‘Get over there, don’t look at us.’ At that moment, when I saw them step out armed and pointing at us, I felt intense fear.”

The criminals stole the workers' pickup truck, while the larger truck managed to avoid being set on fire because the attackers failed to carry out the maneuver with the flammable materials they used. The incident was recorded by the larger vehicle’s security cameras, footage that will be key in the ongoing investigation.

History of Violence in the Area

The owner of the affected contracting company stated that this is the fifth time they have suffered a similar attack. In previous incidents, they have been victims of theft and machinery arson, which has severely hindered their operations. Additionally, he denounced the lack of support from authorities to ensure worker safety.

“It’s a constant struggle to work day after day under these conditions, feeling completely abandoned because we receive no help from anyone. Our clients provide us with security escorts, but even so, the problem persists. The state of emergency was implemented, but we haven’t noticed any changes. At least, from my experience in the forestry sector, I haven’t seen any improvement,”he said.

Psychological Impact on Workers

The fear of further attacks has caused deep psychological distress among forestry workers and their families. Many companies have had to hire professional support to help those affected cope with the stress and anxiety triggered by these incidents.

A psychologist working with these teams noted that“it’s essential to create safe spaces and strategies to manage fear. Workshops and training sessions have been held, but the threat remains.”

Ongoing Investigation

The Public Prosecutor’s Office has tasked Carabineros with investigating the incident and analyzing the security camera footage. So far, the stolen pickup truck has not been recovered, and the criminals remain at large.

It’s worth noting that, as part of the fight against these crimes in the southern macrozone, a criminal gang specializing in such attacks against forestry workers was recently convicted in the Angol Court.

This new episode of violence reinforces the sense of insecurity in La Araucanía Region and reignites the debate over the effectiveness of the control and protection measures implemented in the area.