Now Reading: Ecuador intensifies its fight against illegal mining with 32,000 operations in 16 months
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Ecuador intensifies its fight against illegal mining with 32,000 operations in 16 months
Ecuador intensifies its fight against illegal mining with 32,000 operations in 16 months
The fight against this crime is now a national priority, with convincing results throughout the country.
A multiple threat to the country
The illegal mining not only represents a serious environmental crime; it is also directly linked to crimes such as labor exploitation, money laundering, tax evasion, extortion, kidnapping, and financing of terrorism.. In response, the Government of Ecuador, under the administration of President Daniel Noboa Azinhas significantly increased military operations to curb this illicit activity.
From January 2024 to datethe Armed Forces have executed 32,000 military operations against illegal mining, a figure that represents approximately 10 % of all military missions carried out at the national level in that period.
Operational results and seizures in the millions
The results are conclusive:
- 429 mine entrances destroyed
- 231 backhoes neutralized
- Nearly 50 dredges disabled
- Thousands of tools, explosives and heavy equipment seized
- More than $660 million confiscated from mafias
Each operation represents a direct financial blow to criminal groupsThe State of Ecuador has been able to seriously affect the finances of illegal structures such as the drug trade and terrorism. The Ecuadorian State has been able to seriously affect the finances of illegal structures such as Los Lobos, Los Tiguerones, FARC dissidences and other mafias operating in key provinces, such as Esmeraldas, Imbabura, Carchi, Sucumbíos, Azuay and Zamora Chinchipe.
Sacrifice and military commitment
This struggle has also taken on a high human cost. More about 1,000 soldiers are deployed daily in the field, facing adverse conditions and constant risk. At Upper Punino, eleven soldiers fell in combathonorably defending national sovereignty.
In response to the growing threat, the following have recently been incorporated 1,500 new personnel in the same region, in order to reinforce the territorial control and continue operations to dismantle criminal structures.
Defense of the territory and the future
The Ministry of National Defenseheaded by Gian Carlo Loffredoreiterated that the fight against illegal mining is one of the most important key priorities of the current government. This offensive is not only aimed at combating organized crime, but also at restoring legality, protecting the environment and returning security to communities affected by violence and ecological devastation.
Every action taken is a step towards the recovery of the rivers, forests and territories that belong to the Ecuadorian people. With comprehensive strategies, logistical resources and courage on the front lines, Ecuador moves towards a safer, more sovereign country free from criminal power.
