Canadian police say armed protesters opposing vaccine mandates had 'a willingness to use force against the police'

• Canadian police say they arrested 11 protesters with weapons and ammunition on Monday.
• The individuals arrested were said to "have a willingness to use force against the police."

A Canadian police department on Monday said officers arrested 11 protesters who had "a willingness to use force against the police" during ongoing anti-vaccine mandate demonstrations.

Alberta province's Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or RCMP, said in a statement on Twitter that it became aware of a "small organized group" within a protest at Coutts, a small village along Canada's border with Montana.

"The group was said to have a willingness to use force against the police if any attempts were made to disrupt the blockade," The RCMP said, adding there was an immediate investigation to determine "extent of the threat."

During a Monday morning search on trailers associated with the group, RCMP said it arrested the group and found a collection of weapons.

RCMP said it seized 13 long guns, an undisclosed number of handguns, body armor, a machete, ammunition, and high-capacity magazines.

"The Alberta RCMP will resume efforts to end the illegal blockade which has prevented access to the Coutts border," the agency said.

Canada's "Freedom Convoy" trucker protests have caused major disruption across the country, causing gridlock in the capital city of Ottawa and shutting down or disrupting key US border crossings.

A major bridge connecting the US and Canada reopened on Sunday, however, after Canadian police arrested protesters and towed a handful of vehicles blocking the crossing, Insider previously reported.

This story is developing. Please check back for updates.