It is important to note that minerals such as tin and coltan can be extracted from these so-called rare earth minerals, which are illegally traded on international markets, fetching considerable sums or values.
During military operations carried out by the 28th Brigade of the National Army, through troops from the Eastern Military Gaula, in a joint operation with the National Navy and coordinated with the National Police,
approximately five tons of rare earth material were seized in the rural area of Casuarito, in the municipality of Puerto Carreño, Vichada.This significant operation was carried out following several days of infiltration, surveillance, and military intelligence work, which enabled tactical actions on the ground. In this way, the troops were able to pinpoint the exact location where illegal mining operations were taking place, a practice that has a negative impact on the region’s flora and fauna, in addition to contaminating the waterways that supply drinking water to local communities.
During the operation, authorities seized a pickup truck, a motorcycle, two communication radios, four cell phones, and materials valued at over 3 billion pesos. It is important to emphasize to the public that the extraction of these resources represents a significant source of revenue within the illicit economies of organized armed groups operating in eastern Colombia, enabling them to acquire weapons, explosives, and, in many cases, drones, which they use to carry out their criminal activities.
This blow not only represents a significant blow to illicit economies but also contributes to the protection of the environment and the preservation of the region’s natural resources, preventing their indiscriminate extraction and illegal export abroad.
The National Army, through the 28th Brigade,
reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the communities of the Orinoquía region and protecting natural resources, which constitute a true treasure for all Colombians.
Source:
Eighth Division Press.
