Chile: Truckers suspend protest action, as of Feb. 13; officials to increase security in several northern provinces /update 1

Event

Approximately 17 unions representing truck drivers announced Feb. 12 that they would suspend their protest action following successful negotiations with the government. Truckers had been protesting over the death of a fellow driver in Antofagasta, Feb. 10; three Venezuelan nationals have been arrested in connection with the killing. The action caused disruptions to road routes and airports in several areas across central and northern Chile. Demonstrators have called for action to curb migration. The government has indicated that it will decree a state of emergency in four northern provinces, Arica, Parinacota, Tamarugal, and Loa. The decree, which will last for 15 days, includes provisions to deploy additional security personnel to border areas to prevent illegal migration.

Truck drivers, particularly those unaligned to the unions, may continue to protest through Feb. 13 and possibly Feb. 14; however, it is likely that most protests and roadblocks will be lifted Feb. 13. Lingering disruptions to flight schedules, particularly to and from Diego Aracena International Airport (IQQ), are also likely Feb. 13. Dozens of flights between IQQ and Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL) were canceled Feb. 11-12. Road travel disruptions may also persist as officials clear the backlog of public transport services, including buses. Heightened security measures near border crossing points are likely in the coming weeks. Additional delays and disruptions to both private travel and freight transport are possible at these crossings.

Advice

Avoid all protests. Do not attempt to drive through roadblocks until police have cleared them. Reconfirm all domestic flights. Reconfirm the status of road routes before travel, including border crossing points. Plan for potential freight delivery delays.