Decree alters military action in the security of the Yanomami Indigenous Land

The federal government published this Thursday (22) a decree that changes the actions of the Ministry of Defense against illegal mining in the Yanomami Indigenous Land. The Army, Navy and Air Force forces began to carry out preventive and repressive actions in the region, no longer just providing intelligence data and air and logistical transport (see full text).

With the change, the military will also act in patrolling actions, inspection of people, land vehicles, vessels and aircraft, and arrests in flagrante delicto.

According to the ministry, direct action in the territory was under the responsibility of the National Security Force, the Federal Police and the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA). The exception was the airspace that was under the command of the Air Force.

Access by people to Yanomami territory remains under the control of the Ministries of Health and Indigenous Peoples.