Pinera Calls In Army to Counter Arson Attacks in Southern Chile

Chile will deploy its armed forces in the south of the country to counter an increase in arson attacks against forestry and transport infrastructure, and amid a string of shootouts between police and pro-indigenous rights groups.

President Sebastian Pinera announced a state of emergency in four provinces: Biobio, Arauco, Malleco and Cautin, which have been at the center of the attacks. The measure allows the deployment of armed forces in the area for 15 days to aid local police. The measure can then be extended.