Chile: Minor bombing in Melipilla May 15, no injuries

On Monday, May 15, a low-intensity bomb exploded outside of the offices of the Legal Assistance Corporation (CAJ) in the city of Melipilla, located 75 km (45 mi) southwest of the capital Santiago. No one was injured. Security forces found flyers at the scene stating “The War Continues against the Rich, Corrupt, and Lackeys” and “Comrade Alejo, present,” referring to Jose Alejandro Muñoz, a former member of Chile’s Revolutionary Left Movement (MIR).

No organization has claimed responsibility for the attack and authorities have not named any potential suspects, although the MIR are likely suspects.

Muñoz was killed in Caracas, Venezuela, on May 11 of this year by armed assailants while reportedly meeting with supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro at a restaurant. 

The CAJ is a government agency that offers low-income citizens legal advice.

The risk of terrorism is low in Chile. However, low-power bombs are occasionally planted by domestic left-wing groups, including in the capital. Several such incidents were reported in 2014, including an explosion in the Santiago metro (Escuela Militar station) that injured 14 people.