Against illegal mining - Ecuador deploys heavy artillery on the northern border, causing losses of 1.3 billion dollars for criminal networks

"The Armed Forces of Ecuador carried out the operation "Territorial Recovery" in the Chical–El Pablo sector, Carchi province, on the northern border of the country, with the aim of dismantling structures linked to illegal mining. The operation, carried out between May 8 and 9, included the deployment of heavy artillery, mortars, AMX-13 tanks, and C90 launchers, as shown in the images released by the authorities. It also had air support from an armed FENEC helicopter, used to neutralize targets in hard-to-reach areas used for illegal mining activities. The actions were supervised on-site by the Minister of National Defense, Gian Carlo Loffredo; the Chief of the Joint Command of the Armed Forces, General Henry Delgado Salvador; and the General Commander of the Army, General Jhon Miño Razo. As a result, 70 mine entrances were destroyed, as well as other targets used for illicit activities. According to the armed forces, the offensive caused estimated losses of 1.3 billion dollars for organized crime groups operating in the area. The institution stated that military operations against "criminal economies" will continue to be carried out firmly to weaken their operational capabilities in national territory."

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