In Cauca, the National Army dismantles an illegal mining network working for alias Marlon, the top leader of the Western Bloc Jacobo Arenas

As part of the Joint Strategic Campaign Plan Ayacucho, and thanks to military intelligence work carried out by National Army troops, six illegal mining production units were dismantled in a rural area of the municipality of Santander de Quilichao, Cauca. 

The troops, part of the 29th Brigade, were supported by the 8th Light Cavalry Group and the National Police. 

During the operation, which was planned over more than two months of intelligence work, troops from the 8th Mountain Battalion located and destroyed 16 engines, two drills, and an electric pump used for the illegal extraction of mining material. These activities were apparently led by alias Marlon, the top leader of the Jacobo Arenas Western Bloc.

This action significantly impacts the illicit economy of the residual organized armed group by reducing the resources used to finance its criminal activities and weakening its armed presence and coercion over communities in northern Cauca and southern Valle del Cauca.

Similarly, the intervention made it possible to halt the progressive environmental damage to seven hectares, where an estimated 53,500 m³ of soil was removed and nearly 2,000 trees were cut down. The recovery of this area would cost approximately 850 million pesos and take more than 30 years for vegetation to regenerate.

The National Army reaffirms its commitment to protecting the environment, preserving natural resources, and ensuring the safety of communities. It also invites citizens to report any illegal exploitation activities or the presence of suspicious machinery to the competent authorities. Information from the community saves lives and protects the nation's natural heritage.



Source: Third Division Press.