Explosions hit Ecuador bridges days after illegal mining crackdown

The detonation of explosive devices on two bridges in Ecuador early on Wednesday was retaliation for a major military operation against illegal miners, the country’s interior minister said.

Interior Minister John Reimberg indicated that authorities suspected the criminal group Los Lobos, recently designated a terrorist organization by Washington, was responsible.

“The line we are pursuing is one of retaliation for what we have been doing in Imbabura (province), in terms of controlling the strike and cracking down on illegal mining,” Reimberg told a press briefing in the northern city of Otavalo.

No injuries were reported and no arrests have been made. Infrastructure Minister Roberto Luque suggested the attacks were intended to disrupt traffic.

Read more: Reuters