Nearly 30 thousand soldiers have been engaged

    The Brazilian Armed Forces HAVE INITIATED an operation named Agatha 8 in an attempt to clamp down on crimes and irregularities that take place on national borders. This year, due to the World Cup, the measure will encompass the full length of the borders, which total over 16.8 thousand km.

    Approximately 30 thousand soldiers from the Brazilian Army, Navy and Air Force, WERE SELECTED to take part in the operation, which began on Saturday (May 10). In addition, agents from the Federal Police, the Federal Highway Police and the Military Police are also employed in the states covered. Other professionals ENGAGED in the action are those from such governmental agencies as the Federal Revenue Office, the Brazilian Intelligence Agency (“Abin”), and the National Civil Aviation Agency (“Anac”). Their focus is placed on the crimes most commonly committed at the national border, such as the trafficking of drugs and weapons, smuggling, environmental crimes, illegal immigration and mining.

    According to the press office of the Ministry of Defense, no date HAS BEEN SCHEDULED for the end of the operation, as it depends on the outcomes of the patrols. 

    Operation Agatha 8 is part of a measure called Strategic Plan for Frontiers, CREATED by the federal government in 2011. Before the plan WAS INITIATED, the Brazilian government MAINTAINED contact with its ten neighbors so as to keep them informed of the employment of its military forces.

BRANCO, M. Brazil Armed Forces launch border patrol operation. Disponível em: https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/en/geral/noticia/2014- 05/brazil-armed-forces-launch-border-patrol-. Acesso em: 02 set. 2024.