Ecuadorian Armed Forces close 50 illegal mine access points in south

Ecuador's Armed Forces have successfully closed fifty access points to illegal mines in the southern province of Loja. The operation, which took place in the municipalities of Celica and Macará, was a result of military intelligence efforts coordinated with the National Intelligence Center.

These efforts identified a clandestine camp linked to illegal mining activities. During the intervention, military personnel apprehended one man and seized approximately one ton of mineralized material. Additionally, three motorcycles, electric generators, and several mobile devices were confiscated. The seized items and the detained individual were handed over to the relevant authorities for legal proceedings.

The crackdown on illegal mining comes at a critical time as President Daniel Noboa's administration intensifies its campaign against organized crime. The government has been engaged in a prolonged battle against these structures, which it has labeled as "terrorists" and identified as being heavily involved in drug trafficking and illegal mining.

This operation in Loja demonstrates the government's commitment to dismantling the infrastructure supporting illegal resource extraction, a key component of the broader strategy to combat organized criminal networks operating within Ecuador.