Boa Vista (RR) – On July 20, the Armed Forces carried out another action to combat illegal mining in the Yanomami Indigenous Land (TIY) as part of Operation Catrimani II, coordinated by the Ministry of Defense. The mission, called “XARAKA II” (arrow, in the Yanomami dialect), was carried out in close collaboration with the Government House in Roraima and included the participation of military personnel from the Brazilian Navy’s Special Operations Detachment (MB) and agents from the National Force.
The targets of the operation were located in the region of Waikás (RR), approximately 300 km from Boa Vista, on the banks of the Uraricoera River. During the operation, two illegal mining sites were identified with 200 kg of cassiterite in bags and approximately one ton of the mineral in piles on the ground. After the operation, various pieces of equipment used by the illegal miners were destroyed.
To carry out the action of disintrusion, combating criminal organizations, territorial protection and repression of environmental crimes, the Catrimani II Joint Operational Command used an H-36 Caracal aircraft from the Brazilian Air Force, an operative group from the Brazilian Navy, composed of soldiers from the Brazilian Navy’s Amphibious Commands (ComAnf) and Combat Divers Group (GruMEC), and soldiers from the Roraima Border Command / 7th Jungle Infantry Battalion (C Fron RR / 7º BIS), which acted as a reaction force located in the 4th Special Border Platoon (4ºPEF), in Surucucu (RR).
The identification of the points for the repressive actions was the result of joint work between the Armed Forces and the intelligence agencies that make up the Government House in Roraima. This collaborative effort has been fundamental to the success of the operations.
The Deputy Commander of Operation Catrimani II, Lieutenant General Cláudio Henrique da Silva Plácido, highlighted the importance of cooperation between the various forces involved. “Joint efforts between the Armed Forces, the Security Forces and other agencies working on the de-intrusion operation result in better results for the final objective of Catrimani II. The ‘XARAKA II’ mission was another step towards dismantling the logistical flow of mining and neutralizing the infrastructure that sustains this activity,” he said.
The Armed Forces maintain a constant and active presence throughout the Amazon. However, Operation Catrimani II stands out for uniting the efforts of various agencies, sharing knowledge and expanding the unique capabilities of each institution involved.
In June, the military carried out a new operation to clear one of the illegal mining sites located in the Xitei region, near Surucucu. At the beginning of July, the troops taking part in the operation destroyed eleven airstrips used by aircraft in the Campos Novos region.
Joint Operational Command Catrimani II
Operation Catrimani II is a joint action between Public Security bodies, Agencies and the Armed Forces, in coordination with the Roraima Government House, in the temporary and episodic use of resources in the Yanomami Indigenous Land, in compliance with GM-MD Ordinance No. 1511, of March 26, 2024, which aims to act in a preventive and repressive manner against illegal mining, cross-border illicit activities and environmental crimes.
