GDF, Brazilian army tighten border shield with joint patrols, illegal mining crackdown

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Brazilian Army have conducted a series of joint mirrored patrols in the Takutu and Ireng Sectors, Region Nine, enhancing coordinated border security and reinforcing the strong partnership between the two forces. On Friday, the GDF in a social media post said that on November 13, a command group from both militaries met where planning discussions were held for joint operation activities. This engagement initiated a combined operation involving air, mobile and motorised patrols in Bonfim and Normandia in Brazil and in Kanapang and Chiung within Guyana’s Upper Takutu-Essequibo region.
During the joint patrols, several locations identified through intelligence monitoring for suspected cross- border and environmental illicit activities were examined and assessed. As part of the wider security effort, the GDF supported the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) in an operation targeting illegal mining in the Ireng Sector. This activity was coordinated with the Brazilian Army, which conducted a parallel operation on its side of the border. Illegal equipment discovered during the mission was seized, disabled and destroyed, with affected communities in the area expressing strong support for the intervention.
The army noted that at the conclusion of the operation, the Commander of the Brazilian Army’s 2nd Jungle Infantry Company visited the GDF military facilities in Lethem, while Commander of the Takutu River Base, Lieutenant Philipe Delmiro was hosted at the 1st Special Border Platoon in Bonfim. Both visits featured professional exchanges, interaction between ranks and the customary presentation of tokens. Additionally, a follow-on visit was conducted to the 1st Special Border Platoon in Bonfim by Staff Officer Three Operations of the 3 Infantry Battalion, Captain Lawrence King, and Second in Command of the GDF Border Detachment in Lethem, Sergeant Delbert Joseph.