Type of attack “never seen” in Chile, says minister on murder of three police officers

The murder of three police officers in a Mapuche area in southern Pepper “It’s a type of attack never seen before”in the country, said Sunday the Minister of the Interior Carolina Tohá.

The triple homicide occurred in the early hours of Saturday in the city of Pen500 km south of Santiagoon the same day that the police institution celebrated a new anniversary.

LOOK HERE: Three police officers murdered in an “attack” in the Mapuche region, southern Chile

It was considered the worst attack against police forces in the region, where arson attacks occur frequently, especially against forestry machines.

“This is a type of attack that has never been seen before” in PepperMinister Tohá said in an interview with Channel 13.

The unusual nature of the event is supported by “the level of violence” and the application of the resources used in its execution, explained the minister.

The police officers were ambushed as they boarded an armored truck to monitor compliance with a nighttime arrest measure. Along the way, they were involved in several confrontations.

The police died from gunshot wounds. After they were dead, they were placed in the back of the truck, which was set on fire. They stole the weapons they were carrying and their helmets, explained Minister Tohá.

“They were murdered outside (the van) and it is not known under what circumstances. It is also not known why they left (the vehicle).” he pointed out.

Four prosecutors are leading the investigation and, for now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Three communes in Arauco province were under nighttime curfew.

The minister reaffirmed the position of the director general of police, Ricardo Yanezwhich is expected to face a formalization hearing on May 7 for its responsibility in cases of human rights violations in the October 2019 protests.

“There cannot be any changes in police command at this time.”, said Tohá.

MORE INFORMATION: Boric after the murder of three police officers: “Chile must be as whole as one fist” to bring justice

The area where the attack occurred is under military guard due to arson that occurred there, attributed mainly to radical groups. Mapuchesthe largest Chilean ethnic group, demanding the restitution of ancestral lands.

This week the government had celebrated the reduction in violent actions by half compared to the beginning of the president’s term. Gabriel Boricin March 2022.

Gangs dedicated to timber theft were also dismantled in the area.

Source: Elcomercio

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