Chile: Heightened security likely in Santiago after multiple arson attacks reported May 23 /update 1

Event

Heightened security is likely in parts of Santiago over the coming hours after authorities confirmed that a second bus was destroyed May 23 in an arson attack on Avenida Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins, widely known as Alameda. The attack occurred near the avenue's intersection with Calle Serrano; after forcing the passengers off of the bus, a group of individuals set the vehicle on fire and retreated toward the Instituto Nacional General Jose Miguel Carrera, a school where students are currently on strike.

Police are likely to maintain heightened security around the incident site and other transport hubs in Santiago through at least late May 23. Transport disruptions are likely in areas affected by arson attacks and related increased security measures.

Context

The incident came after a similar attack on the morning of May 23 at the intersection of Avenida Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins and Avenida Ricardo Cumming. In the earlier attack, a group of people operating near protesting students threw Molotov cocktails at a bus, destroying it.

Authorities have also confirmed that a classroom at the Instituto Nacional General Jose Miguel Carrera was burned in a fire May 23. While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, government officials have denounced it as well as the attacks on buses as unacceptable acts of violence, raising the possibility that all three fires were intentionally set by protesting students.

Advice

Avoid the areas affected by the attacks. Allow for additional travel time in central Santiago. Avoid taking public buses May 23, especially on routes that run on Avenida Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins near the Instituto Nacional General Jose Miguel Carrera. Reconfirm business appointments.