Peruvian soldier dies during operation against illegal mining in the Amazon

A Peruvian soldier died during an operation against illegal mining carried out in an Amazonian area of the Madre de Dios region, in southern Peru, the Navy reported in a statement.

The deceased was identified as Navy Second Lieutenant Álvaro Cáceres, who lost his life during an incident that occurred in the operation carried out on Monday in the Tambopata National Reserve.

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The military institution did not offer further details regarding the circumstances under which the death occurred.

The Navy opened an investigation to clarify the causes of the death and expressed its condolences for the event. The National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State (Sernanp) also lamented the passing.

Illegal mining operation

The Ministry of Defense reported that the operation against illegal mining allowed for the destruction of assets and equipment valued at 8.3 million soles, equivalent to approximately 2.5 million dollars, in the municipality of Inambari.

The military arrived by helicopter in the sectors of Quebrada Gamitanal, Aguas Negras, and Otorongo, areas of difficult access that, according to authorities, were used as bases for this illicit activity.

Illegal mining intervened

During the operation, 15 rustic camps, nine rafts, nine motors, a freighter, and three electric generators were destroyed, in addition to 14 hoppers.

The authorities also destroyed 800 meters of metal pipes, 500 meters of plastic pipes, 1,200 meters of steel cable, 11 kitchens, and 550 empty metal cylinders.

Peruvian authorities are keeping the investigation open to determine the circumstances under which the soldier died during the operation against illegal mining.