Chile’s President Gabriel Boric has declared a three-day mourning period after armed assailants ambushed and killed three police officers in southern Chile, as reported by Al Jazeera on Sunday. Following the attack, the assailants also set fire to the police officers’ vehicles. President Boric condemned the “cowardly” assault in the Canete municipality of Arauco province, describing it as a tragic event that has deeply affected the nation.
In a statement issued on Saturday, President Boric expressed solidarity with the families of the fallen officers and declared the national mourning period as a mark of respect for their sacrifice. The officers who lost their lives were identified as Sergeant Carlos Cisterna, Corporal Sergio Arevalo, and Corporal Misael Vidal. The president’s declaration reflects the gravity of the situation and underscores the government’s commitment to honoring the service and memory of those who bravely serve to protect the community.
As Chile mourns the loss of these dedicated officers, the nation stands united in condemning such acts of violence and reaffirming its support for law enforcement personnel who risk their lives to uphold public safety. The declaration of mourning serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by police officers in the line of duty and emphasizes the need for continued efforts to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
Chile is gripped by a profound sense of mourning today, as President Boric expressed in a heartfelt message. Despite the overwhelming emotions of heartbreak, sorrow, and anger, the nation remains resolute and determined to seek justice for the tragic loss of three police officers. Al Jazeera reported that authorities stated the officers were responding to three false emergency calls when they were ambushed in their vehicle with heavy-caliber weapons. The attack occurred on a road near Concepcion, about 400km south of Santiago, resulting in the officers burning inside their armored patrol vehicle.
The motive behind the assault remains unclear, but tensions between the Mapuche Indigenous community and landowners and forestry companies in the region have escalated in recent years. The conflict prompted the government to declare a state of emergency and deploy the military to ensure security. Approximately one in ten Chileans identify as Mapuche, a tribe that resisted Spanish conquest for centuries until Chile gained independence in the late 1800s.
President Boric, accompanied by top military and congressional officials, as well as the president of the Supreme Court, visited the area on Saturday to offer condolences to the families of the victims and assure them that the perpetrators will face justice. He emphasized that there will be no impunity for such heinous acts, echoing the sentiments of the nation as firefighters discovered the grim scene.
In Santiago, hundreds gathered outside the presidential palace to protest against the killings, which occurred on National Police Day, marking the 97th anniversary of the establishment of the Carabineros, Chile’s military police force. Ricardo Yanez, the Carabineros’s general director, condemned the ambush as a deliberate and premeditated act, emphasizing that it was not a random occurrence.
The recent surge in violence poses a significant challenge for President Boric, who took office in 2022 with a pledge to ease tensions in the region. His administration has highlighted progress in reducing Chile’s national homicide rate, but this attack represents a setback in those efforts. Interior Minister Carolina Toha, a former mayor of Santiago, denounced the assault, emphasizing that it undermines the strides made towards peace and stability in the country.