In a significant military operation, Ecuador's Armed Forces have targeted illegal mining operations in the Amazon region, specifically in Zamora Chinchipe, with artillery strikes and ground interventions over a span of nine days. This operation aimed to reclaim areas within the protected Podocarpus National Park that had been occupied by criminal organizations engaged in illegal mining. The military's actions were concentrated in specific sectors known for such activities, including San Luis, Dos Camas, and La Aida, where illegal camps and infrastructure had proliferated.

The Ministry of Defense reported extensive efforts that led to the dismantling of 129 illegal camps, 94 mining shafts, and numerous pieces of machinery that were facilitating these illicit operations. These measures were deemed necessary to combat the growing threat that illegal mining poses not only to the environment but also to the integrity of protected areas in Ecuador. By inflicting substantial losses on the criminal organizations, the military sought to weaken their logistical capabilities and disrupt their operations significantly.

The military intervention highlights the government's resolve to protect Ecuador's natural resources and maintain the sanctity of national parks from illegal exploitation. This operation serves as a critical step toward safeguarding biodiversity within the Podocarpus National Park and reflects Ecuador's broader strategy to confront environmental crimes that threaten its landscapes and ecosystems. The implications of this military action may lead to a re-evaluation of enforcement policies concerning illegal mining across the country.