Ibama asked the PF to strengthen security at the site, which serves to block the entry of clandestine vessels
A federal base located in the village of Palimiú, in the Yanomami Indigenous Land, in Roraima, was attacked by prospectors in the early hours of Thursday (23.Feb.2023). The information was confirmed by Ibama (Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources) in note.
The attack justified a request submitted to the PF (Federal Police) for security reinforcements at the site. The space that was targeted serves to block the entry of clandestine vessels in the territory and completed only two weeks of operation.
As reported by Ibama, armed prospectors broke through the blockade set up on the Uraricoera River and fired at Ibama agents who boarded one of the vessels. The inspectors retaliated. In the shootout, one of the garimpeiros, whose name was not disclosed, was injured and detained by the PF. He remained hospitalized until the night of Thursday (Feb 23).
The criminals went down the river in 7 boats called “flying boats”, measuring 12 meters each, filled with cassiterite, a metal whose demand has increased. The shipment was identified by drones operated by Ibama inspectors. After the attack, the criminals fled.
Security at the control base is handled by agents of the National Public Security Force, the PRF (Federal Highway Police) and Ibama. Last Monday (20.Feb), the base gained a structure of steel cables and, since then, according to Ibama, no loaded boat has gone towards the mines.
For the president of Ibama, Rodrigo Agostinho, this is a programmed criminal attack. “Anyone who tries to break through the blockade will be arrested. Ending illegal mining is a determination of the president Lula”, he added.
In May 2021, a series of raids by miners began in the Palimiú region, who fired firearms and launched gas bombs. The group of invaders even fired at a PF team that went to help the Yanomami. The place has a population of around 1,000 inhabitants.
With information from Brazil Agency.
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