New discovery of arsenal at Playa Prieta in Manabí: grenades and mortars seized by military
The Ecuadorian Army discovered a cache of high-powered explosives at Playa Prieta, including antitank grenades and mortars, following recent finds of criminal hideouts in Portoviejo.
In a recent operation at Playa Prieta, Ecuador's military forces uncovered a significant cache of high-powered explosives that poses a serious threat to public safety. This operation follows the discovery of six criminal hideouts in Portoviejo, revealing a pattern of organized crime activity in the region. The cache included various types of grenades and explosive materials, which are commonly associated with organized crime operations.
The successful operation was the result of diligent military intelligence efforts that pinpointed the hidden explosives in a rural area of difficult access. This strategic uncovering highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Ecuadorian authorities in combating organized crime and the illicit trafficking of arms in the country. Despite recent successes, the presence of such powerful weaponry indicates the severity of the security situation in the region.
The materials seized included four antitank grenades, eleven mortar grenades, twenty-nine hand grenades, and a demolition charge, all of which significantly increase the risk to civilian safety. As military operations continue to target organized crime in Ecuador, this discovery underscores the importance of maintaining pressure on criminal elements and securing areas prone to such illegal activities, reinforcing the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures by the security forces.