Chile: The Day of the Young Combatant

Origins of the Day of the Young Combatant

On 29 March 1985, two brothers were killed by the police in Estación Central, Santiago. They had purportedly been members of a left-wing militant group but were ultimately from a family of anti-government activists. This was the time of Chile’s military government under brutal dictator Augusto Pinochet. Although their deaths represented a small number of the total victims of Pinochet, their legacy has endured. The anniversary is now marked by the Day of the Young Combatant, which seeks to raise awareness about human rights.

Potential for Escalation

Despite the honest intentions of this commemorative day, its message is often lost by rioting and other criminal activity. This is prevalent in Santiago and often takes on an anti-government tone, resulting in widespread disruption and even fatalities. However, there are factors which threaten to intensify the disruptions next Friday. Foremost is popular discontent, which has resulted in large protests in recent years over economic conditions and constitutional reform. There has also been a rise in crime, best represented by a 56% increase in the number of homicides between 2018 and 2022. This problem may be exacerbated by recent turbulence in the economy, but definitely by the growth of organised criminality.

Consequently, the day is likely to be used as an outlet for public anger and a mask for opportunistic crime. This presents an obvious risk to travellers, who may be affected by the following issues.

Civil Unrest

Every Day of the Young Combatant is marked with protests across Chile’s urban centres. The most impactful occur in Santiago, usually in the commune of Estación Central and along the city’s major avenues. Unrest is also reported in Santiago’s adjoining cities, Valparaiso, Concepción, Temuco, Antofagasta, Coquimbo, Hualpén, Quilpué and Peñalolén. The threshold for the escalation of a peaceful gathering into a riot is low, possibly involving dozens of individuals. Protest violence also occurs before and after 29 March, but this is rare and is usually policed adequately.

To mitigate the risk of danger, some institutions allow those under their responsibility to return home before dusk. This is largely due to the effect of indiscriminate violence, which has seen projectiles thrown at vehicles and bystanders. More serious violence is usually directed against the security forces and other demonstrators. Last year, a police vehicle crashed in Santiago’s Villa Francia; its occupants were then shot at, wounding one officer. In 2015, one officer died in the Pedro Aguirre Cerda suburb as a result of small arms fire. In the city of Colina, a protester was killed in 2021 when a vehicle – perhaps deliberately - collided with her. And in 2008, a mob killed an individual accused of being a police infiltrator.

The police are often overstretched on the Day of the Young Combatant and will resort to violence to disperse crowds. Water cannon and tear gas are routinely used to this effect.

Crime

With large numbers of police focused on combating violence, crimes for monetary benefit regularly occur. Supermarkets and places of commerce have been looted in the past, sometimes by individuals carrying firearms. The relative lawlessness of the day also lends itself to the burglary of private residences. In 2022, an individual was charged with breaking into a Santiago apartment, assaulting the occupants and then robbing it.

Large crowds near protest sites also facilitate acts of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching.

Travel and Operational Disruption

On the Day of the Young Combatant, it is very common for flaming barricades to be erected, causing widespread disruption. The avenues of Libertador General Bernardo O'Higgins and Américo Vespucio in Santiago have been blocked multiple times in recent years.

Buses, taxis and other forms of public transport are often attacked with rocks, fireworks and Molotov cocktails. It is therefore common for these services to be closed on the Day of the Young Combatant.

Every year, residents of Santiago are reminded that power lines and electrical transformers are targeted, leading to local power outages.

Security Advice

• Avoid travelling after dusk in Chile’s large urban centres, particularly Santiago, San Bernardo, Puente Alto and Huechuraba.
• In Santiago, avoid the commune of Estación Central and the main avenues if possible.
• Ensure that homes are secure at all times.
• Avoid all demonstrations, large gatherings and road blockades.
• Avoid police stations and supermarkets, as they are often targeted by rioters.
• Avoid hooded individuals and those carrying offensive projectiles.
• Follow all orders given by the security forces.
• Stay informed of the current situation by observing local media and embassy advisories.
• Have a torch or candle easily accessible in the event of a power cut.

by Jason Davies , Risk Analyst, NGS

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