Brazil authorizes the Military to conduct law enforcement on Yanomami land

The Brazilian federal government has issued a decree permitting the military to engage in law enforcement activities, including arrests, patrols, and vessel searches on Yanomami land in the state of Roraima.

The decree, signed by acting president Geraldo Alckmin (PSB) and other ministers, was published on Thursday, June 22, 2023. The full document, spanning 74 KB, outlines the details of the authorization.

Prior to this decree, the military’s role was limited to providing logistical support, such as delivering food supplies to communities residing in the indigenous territory.

Dubbed Ágata Fronteira Norte, the military operation in the region has replaced Operation Yanomami and involves a total of 1,200 personnel from the Navy, Army, and Air Force.

Additionally, the operation currently utilizes 17 aircraft, 1 Fluvial Patrol Ship, and 5 armored boats.

The decree also stipulates that the Ministry of Defense will share intelligence data with the Federal Police (PF), the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama), and other relevant agencies.

According to the Ministry of Defense, the military has thus far distributed 22,000 essential food baskets and provided 1,984 healthcare services in the region.

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