In a major breakthrough in the search for the murderers of three police officers in southern Chile, the Carabineros have arrested three suspects on Sunday. The incident marks the worst massacre in recent history for the institution and has shocked the country. While investigations are focusing on radicalized Mapuche sectors as suspected perpetrators, the government has not ruled out other leads.
The intense police operation leading to the triple arrest took place in Cañete, a region known for frequent clashes between violent Mapuche communities and state forces over land disputes. The identities of the suspects were not released. The attack occurred on Saturday during a celebration of the Carabineros’ 97th anniversary.
President Gabriel Boric has condemned the crime as a “terrorist attack” and vowed to use all legal tools to ensure those responsible receive maximum sentences in light of a growing security crisis in Chile. The town of Cañete, where the massacre took place, is located about 500 kilometers south of Santiago.
In addition to this week’s triple murder case, Hector Llaitul was found guilty by a court of various charges including “violent usurpation of property” and “attack against authority.” Llaitul risks up to 25 years in prison. The area where the attack occurred remains under a state of emergency since May 2022 due to attacks from armed groups.
The Minister of Interior, Carolina Tohá, has called for justice for victims while also urging caution when making accusations about individuals involved with law enforcement agencies like Ricardo Yáñez, head of Carabineros, who has faced calls for resignation amidst controversy around his leadership style and handling of security issues. However, no decision regarding his position has been made yet by government officials.