Chile: Highway P-60R blocked in Arauco Province, Bio-Bio Region; vehicles have been set on fire and shots have reportedly been fired in the area

Event

Unidentified individuals have blocked Highway P-60R in Arauco Province, in the Bio-Bio Region of Chile, Dec. 21. The individuals have set up roadblocks and lit fires to block the highway near the ChanChan. The assailants have burned at least one truck in Contulmo and fired weapons near Villa Elicura. The reasoning for the individuals taking this action remains unclear.

Transport in the area is likely to be severely disrupted. Police will almost certainly deploy to monitor the situation. Armed clashes may occur between law enforcement officials and the individuals blocking the highway.

Context

While no group has immediately claimed responsibility for the incidents, they are most likely the work of them Organs of Territorial Resistance (Organos de Resistencia Territorial, ORT), the armed wing of the Coordinadora Arauco-Malleco (CAM), a radical group that claims to fight on behalf of the Mapuche indigenous people. The CAM is active in the area and frequently carries out arson attacks.

Advice

Avoid the area. Seek alternative routes. Do not attempt to cross through roadblocks, wait for police to dismantle them instead. If violence occurs, immediately leave the area and seek shelter in a non-governmental building.