Brasília (DF) – The Brazilian Army will be stepping up its operations in the Yanomami indigenous territory. In order to intensify permanent and emergency actions in defense of indigenous peoples and Brazilian territory, the Army is planning to set up two temporary interagency bases (which integrate various government agencies) in the first half of 2024 and to deploy two permanent Special Border Detachments (DEF) by the end of this year.
According to the Land Operations Command (COTER), the aim of these actions is to expand the logistical capacity of various agencies on the Mucajaí and Uraricoera rivers, thereby increasing the repression of illegal mining in the region. The Army is currently operating in Yanomami territory on a permanent basis through Special Border Platoons (PEF), structures that patrol the border, provide assistance to the local population and have also provided support for ongoing actions by various government agencies.
The actions were consolidated after a coordination meeting at Army Headquarters with the participation of the Chief of Land Force Employment, General Fructuoso; the Deputy Chief of Joint Operations of the Ministry of Defense (MD), Vice Admiral Rohwer; and guests from the Civil House of the Presidency of the Republic, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples and the National Foundation for Indigenous Peoples (FUNAI).
Humanitarian support
In addition to the permanent actions of patrolling the border in indigenous territory, the Brazilian Army is already working on humanitarian initiatives in the region. The Army is currently part of the Catrimani Joint Operational Command, which has already delivered more than 5,000 food baskets to isolated communities in the Yanomami Indigenous Land.
The baskets are transported by air in a joint action by the Armed Forces. Coordinated by the Ministry of Defense, the action is expected to distribute a total of 15,000 food baskets by March 31st.
*** Translated by DEFCONPress FYI Team ***