Chilean Defense Minister inspects Colchane border trench

Chilean Defense Minister Fernando Barros, accompanied by Army Commander-in-Chief General Pedro Varela, visited the border town of Colchane in the Tarapacá region to inspect migration control measures and infrastructure.

Barros reported that irregular border crossings have decreased by more than 85% compared to the previous year. He attributed this decline to the deployment of Army and Carabineros units, alongside enhanced technological surveillance systems.

The minister inspected a border trench constructed by the Army, noting that approximately 11,900 meters are now fully operational. A second phase of the project is currently being developed by the Ministry of Public Works.

Additionally, Barros highlighted a 225% increase in smuggling seizures compared to the previous year, stating that the strengthened border security provides greater stability for the region and the country.