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Arson attack in Arauco leaves machinery and containers destroyed

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In the darkness of early Sunday morning, the tranquility of the commune of Arauco, in the Biobío Region, was disrupted by an arson attack. Unidentified individuals set fire to agricultural machinery and containers at the Tropén estate, an area that has been under Navy control since May 2022 due to a State of Constitutional Emergency.

The attack, which occurred on Route P-40 at kilometer 17, on the Tropen property in the same commune, is the fifth such incident targeting the forestry sector so far this year.

The provincial presidential delegate of Arauco, Humberto Toro, reported that the incident took place around 2:30 a.m., resulting in the destruction of three containers used by seasonal workers and two pieces of heavy machinery. Following the attack, personnel from Carabineros' Public Order Control and the Navy mobilized to the scene to conduct the relevant investigations.

The group Weichan Auka Mapu (WAM) appears to be behind the attack, as indicated by a banner left at the scene. The message on the banner references demands related to imprisoned members of indigenous communities, the Viento del Sur Project, and the Usurpation Law. It also mentions the cases of Camilo Catrillanca and Yordan Llempi, community members whose deaths during police operations have sparked controversy and outrage in the region.

Recently, the Court of Appeals of Concepción upheld the acquittal of Ricardo Seguel San Martín, a marine accused of Llempi's homicide. This event, along with the attack, highlights the tensions and climate of insecurity that persist in the area.

Authorities are conducting the necessary forensic examinations to clarify the details of the attack and identify those responsible. Meanwhile, the local community and workers affected by the loss of their tools face the consequences of this violent act.