ARGENTINA: Its not forestal fire. Its intentional fire.

The Mapuche Ancestral Resistance (RAM) is a group that advocates for the autonomy of the Mapuche people in Argentina and Chile. Unlike other Indigenous organizations that pursue land restitution through legal channels, the RAM asserts that the state and private companies are "colonizing enemies" and that direct action is the only means to reclaim Mapuche territory.

The Mapuche territorial conflict in Argentina and Chile is a longstanding issue that has intensified in recent decades. The RAM has gained notoriety for claiming responsibility for direct actions, some of which have been violent, in pursuit of land recovery.

The nature and scope of the RAM remain subject to debate. Some political and business sectors characterize it as an insurgent group with international links, while others view it as an extreme manifestation of legitimate Mapuche grievances.

Facundo Jones Huala, a leader of the RAM, has been arrested and prosecuted multiple times in both Argentina and Chile for allegedly promoting violence and obstructing dialogue and peaceful resolution of territorial disputes.

The RAM appears to be a radicalized faction within the broader Mapuche movement. While its formal origins are unclear, the RAM does not present itself as a centrally organized group with a defined structure. Instead, it appears to function as a decentralized network of autonomous cells, lacking a single, formally established leadership. This decentralized structure poses challenges for authorities seeking to identify and monitor its activities.

The RAM's presence in Argentina became more visible in the 2000s, particularly in Patagonia, where it has been linked to arson attacks against ranches, forestry companies, and oil companies, as well as confrontations with security forces.

Hypotheses Regarding the RAM and Patagonian Fires:

Several factors contribute to the speculation regarding the RAM's connection to fires in Patagonia:

• Claims of Responsibility: Flyers purportedly signed by the RAM have been found at the sites of some fires affecting ranches and forestry equipment, suggesting the group may use fire as a tactic for pressure and sabotage.
• History of Arson: The RAM has been associated with fires impacting fields, vehicles, and machinery belonging to forestry and oil companies, primarily in Río Negro province.
• Judicial Investigations: Some legal cases have explored the potential involvement of the RAM in acts of violence in Patagonia. However, conclusive evidence linking the RAM to large-scale fires has not yet been presented.

Wildfires in Patagonia have increased in frequency and intensity over the past decade, particularly in Río Negro, Neuquén, and Chubut provinces.

While some fires have been attributed to adverse climatic conditions (drought, high temperatures, and strong winds), authorities have confirmed that many were intentionally set. This has led to investigations into potential perpetrators, including the RAM.

In mid-January 2025, a significant fire near Epuyén, Chubut province, consumed approximately 1,800 hectares of forest and destroyed around fifty homes, necessitating the evacuation of hundreds of residents. Challenging weather conditions and difficult terrain hampered firefighting efforts.

Concurrently, another fire in Nahuel Huapi National Park, Río Negro province, burned over 3,000 hectares of this protected area. This nearly three-week-long fire underscored the region's vulnerability to such events and the need for coordinated responses.

Government Response:

The Ministry of National Security coordinated efforts to combat the wildfires. Under the direction of the Minister, the four federal security forces—Gendarmería Nacional, Policía Federal, Prefectura Naval, and Policía de Seguridad Aeroportuaria—were deployed to support firefighters and ensure community safety.

The Ministry also initiated investigations into the fires' causes, focusing on the potential involvement of groups such as the RAM.

Actions Against the RAM:

The RAM has been repeatedly accused of involvement in acts of violence and sabotage in Patagonia. Facundo Jones Huala recently released a video claiming responsibility for "incendiary attacks and sabotage" in the region. In response, the National Government, through the Ministry of Security, filed a criminal complaint against Jones Huala for public intimidation, incitement to collective violence, glorification of crime, and criminal association.

The Government also announced its intention to designate the RAM as a terrorist organization, asserting that its actions and statements threaten national security and the integrity of Patagonian communities.

Potential Designation of the RAM as a Terrorist Group:

The government's announcement is based on the Anti-Terrorism Law (No. 26,734), which allows for enhanced penalties against organizations and individuals engaged in violent acts for political or ideological purposes.

Designating the RAM as a terrorist entity could entail:

• Increased Prosecution: Stricter legal measures could be employed to investigate and prosecute RAM members.
• International Cooperation: Argentina could seek assistance from other countries for the arrest and extradition of RAM members.
• Asset Forfeiture: Assets linked to the group could be frozen.

The Ministry of Security has also filed a criminal complaint against Facundo Jones Huala for public intimidation, incitement to collective violence, glorification of crime, and illicit association.