Colombian Army confirms release of detained soldiers after operation against illegal mining

The Third Division of the Colombian Army has confirmed the release of 30 soldiers held by civilians in a rural area of Cali.

The soldiers were detained after an operation against illegal gold mining in the village of Piedras Blancas, which resulted in one fatality and four injuries.

The army division expressed gratitude for the mediation efforts of various institutions and announced the successful evacuation of the soldiers from the village.

Collaboration between the Ombudsman’s Office and the Municipal Mayor’s Office facilitated the conciliation process and enabled the release of the detained soldiers.

The incident occurred after the seizure of six mules carrying materials for illegal mining activities.

During the operation in the village of Pichindé, the soldiers came under firearms attack and had to respond to protect themselves.

One person was reportedly killed, and four others were injured. Authorities will investigate the incident.

Additionally, civilians burned the soldiers’ campaign equipment located in the Farallones de Cali protected natural reserve area, which they were responsible for safeguarding.

The civilians also attempted to take weapons from one of the soldiers.

The Secretary of Security of Cali, Jimmy Dranguet, condemned the attack and detention of the soldiers.

He emphasized that the Mayor’s Office of Cali will take necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future, vowing to combat illegal mining activities.

Dranguet met with the community of Peñas Blancas and announced the establishment of a dialogue table to address the residents’ concerns, who have expressed grievances regarding unfulfilled promises.

He emphasized that illegal exploitation will not be permitted in the protected natural area, encompassing four thermal floors and harboring rich biodiversity.

Illegal gold mining in the Los Farallones area, the largest nature reserve in southwestern Colombia, has caused extensive deforestation and water contamination with mercury and cyanide, substances used in mining.

This has led to irreversible damage to over 700 hectares of native forests and numerous water sources, posing a threat to endangered flora and fauna species, according to environmental authorities.