After operation in Temucuicui, arson attack in Collipulli leaves four vehicles destroyed

A new episode of rural violence occurred during the early hours of this Thursday in the commune of Collipulli. A group of unknown individuals entered the facilities of the forestry companySafco, located at kilometer 0.4 of theRoute 49, a road connecting Collipulli with Pemehue, and perpetrated an arson attack that culminated in the burning of four work trucks.

The attack

According to preliminary information, the alert was given around 06:00 hours, when workers and guards detected the fire consuming the vehicles parked on the premises. Firefighters from Collipulli quickly responded and managed to control the flames, preventing them from spreading to the company's offices.

At the scene, a banner was found with the inscription:“no se tokan nuestros LPPM piohikche pako asesino”, which reinforces the hypothesis of an attack with vindicatory motivations.

Police reaction

Commander Raúl Quintanilla, prefect (acting) of Malleco, confirmed the burning of the four vehicles and stated that specialized teams fromLabocarandOS9of Carabineros were deployed to carry out forensic investigations at the scene. The duty prosecutor ordered proceedings to clarify the dynamics of the attack and find those responsible.

Context

This incident occurs just one day after themega police operation in Temucuicui, in the commune of Ercilla, where Carabineros —with military support— raided three homes, arrested five people, and faced gunfire that hit institutional vehicles. The string of events highlights the persistent tension in the area, marked by territorial conflicts and episodes of rural violence.

This type of attack in La Araucanía is part of a scenario of high conflict, where forestry companies and security forces have been recurring targets of violent actions.