Chile deploys army armor to indigenous land protests (photos)

The troops were also ordered into the region in October last year by former Conservative President Sebastian Pinera.

Indigenous communities in southern Chile have for decades claimed a return to their lands under ancestral rights but are now managed by forestry or farming companies.

Indigenous radical groups have claimed responsibility for several attacks, most notably arson or theft of timber, and other relatively minor offenses.

New President Gabriel Boric had promised to withdraw the army during the presidential campaign earlier this year.

But after seeking congressional assistance, he restored the state of emergency in the area.

The government has said it will pursue a policy of dialogue with the Mapuche community and continue to purchase land, even while maintaining the state of emergency.

The Chilean government has again deployed military armor in the southern region of Araucan pasa following the escalation of violence over the territorial claims of the Mapuche indigenous population.