25th extension of the state of emergency and militarization in the southern regions of Chile approved by the Senate

The Senate of Chile voted in favor of extending the state of emergency and military deployment in the southern areas of La Araucanía and Arauco and Biobío provinces in response to the escalating violence and criminal activities in these areas.

This extension, the 25th of its kind currently in effect, was supported by 23 votes to 1, with 18 abstentions.

The de facto permanent militarization of the country’s South occurs to contain the problems associated with organized theft of wood and the conflict that the State has maintained for decades with the native Mapuche people and forestry companies stationed there.

The decision took into account recent violent incidents in the neighboring region of Los Ríos, where around twenty vehicles and machinery were set ablaze.

However, Interior and Public Safety Minister, Carolina Tohá, confirmed that the state of emergency will not be expanded to include the Los Ríos region, while emphasizing that maintaining the status quo is not the intention.

Tohá outlined future strategies including increasing checkpoints, boosting the number of Carabineros (militarized police), providing suitable vehicles, and collaborating with the Public Prosecutor’s Office to expedite crime investigations.

Senators expressed the urgent requirement for enhanced intelligence work, strengthening the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and changing strategies and tactics among other initiatives.

They also criticized the recurrent extensions of the emergency measures and urged the government to halt the “terrorism” in the area.

In May 2022, the Chilean government invoked a state of emergency in southern localities to address issues related to organized timber theft and the enduring conflict between the state, the Mapuche indigenous people, and forestry companies.

This measure, ever since, has been periodically extended to facilitate police and military deployment, providing them with augmented powers and resources.

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