"The eviction of miners will continue in close coordination with the Ministry of Mines," said the head of Theater of Operations 5 in southern Bolívar state José Gregorio Montilla Pantoja.

However, shortly before, after a meeting with the representatives of Bolívar state miners, Minister of Basic Industries and Mining Rodolfo Sanz made known that such operation would stop.

The military chief clarified that the minister was making reference only to illegal miners in El Manteco, a town located in southern Bolívar state. "But here, the evictions will continue; anyhow, so far, inspections will be made in the area," he said.

Almost a week ago, the eviction from El Manteco of at least 100 people engaged in gold illegal extraction was announced.