Gunmen attack Chinese-owned hydroelectric facility in Chile, setting equipment ablaze and injuring security personnel

Gunmen attack Chinese-owned hydroelectric facility in Chile, setting equipment ablaze and injuring security personnel

SANTIAGO, April 21 — Armed assailants attacked a Chinese-owned hydroelectric plant under construction in Chile yesterday, setting fire to dozens of trucks and heavy machinery, police reported.‍

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SANTIAGO, April 21 — Armed assailants attacked a Chinese-owned hydroelectric plant under construction in Chile yesterday, setting fire to dozens of trucks and heavy machinery, police reported.

The Rucalhue power plant, located along the Biobio River—one of Chile’s major waterways—is being developed by Rucalhue Energia Spa, a subsidiary of China International Water and Electric Corporation (CWE), with an estimated investment of US$350 million (RM1.5 billion).

The project has faced opposition from Indigenous communities who argue it poses environmental risks.

According to police chief Renzo Miccono, security guards at the construction site said the attackers arrived armed, threatened staff, and then “proceeded to burn all the equipment at the site.” In total, 45 trucks and five pieces of earth-moving equipment were destroyed. Two guards were injured during the assault, which occurred around 550 km (340 miles) south of Santiago.

Chilean Security Minister Luis Cordero described the incident as “terrorist in nature,” citing the location and method of the attack.

Rucalhue Energia Spa said it is currently assessing the extent of the damage. — AFP

Gunmen launched an attack on a Chinese-owned hydroelectric plant under construction in Chile yesterday, torching dozens of trucks and heavy machinery, according to police. — Reuters pic

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