Concepcion, Chile – Gunmen launched a violent attack on a Chinese-owned hydroelectric power plant under construction in southern Chile, causing extensive damage to vehicles and equipment. The Rucalhue power plant, built by Rucalhue Energia Spa, a subsidiary of China International Water and Electric Corporation (CWE), faced the assault along the Biobio River, south of Santiago.
Security personnel were threatened by the armed attackers before they proceeded to set fire to the construction site, leaving 45 trucks and five pieces of machinery destroyed. The incident also resulted in injuries to two security guards. The attack comes amidst opposition from Indigenous communities and concerns over the environmental impact of the project on Chile’s waterways.
Chile’s Security Minister described the attack as having “a terrorist nature” due to its coordinated planning and strategic location. The motives behind the assault are currently under investigation, with authorities working to assess the financial losses incurred by Rucalhue Energia Spa.
The targeted hydroelectric plant, with a projected investment of $350 million, is a significant infrastructure project in Chile, contributing to the country’s energy development. The incident underscores the challenges faced by such projects in the face of opposition and security threats.
Authorities have heightened security measures at the site and are working to ensure the safety of workers and the protection of critical infrastructure. The attack serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by large-scale projects in vulnerable regions, highlighting the importance of robust security protocols and community engagement in mitigating potential threats.