QUITO, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador's armed forces announced Wednesday the dismantling of infrastructure and equipment used for illegal mineral extraction in the northern border province of Carchi.

The operation took place in the El Pablo sector of Tulcan canton, delivering what the military described as a "forceful blow" against illegal mining activities that damage local natural resources, the armed forces said in a release posted on social media.

"This operation represents an approximate weakening of 95,000 U.S. dollars to the financial structures linked to illegal mining in this sector of Carchi province," Ecuador's military said.

The armed forces added that they maintain permanent coordination with the National Police and the Mining Regulation and Control Agency to strengthen control operations and ensure the protection of the country's natural resources.

Ecuador has intensified its fight against illegal mining throughout 2025 and 2026 with high-intensity military operations. ■