A collaborator died after being shot in an ambush during a land clearance operation in the Apyterewa Indigenous Territory, in Pará. The incident took place on Monday (15/12) in São Félix do Xingu, as teams removed illegal invaders and cattle following a Supreme Court decision.
The land clearance operation in the Apyterewa Indigenous Territory, home to the Parakanã people, aimed to enforce a Supreme Court (STF) decision to remove non-indigenous individuals and seize irregular cattle herds, as per ADPF No. 709. Launched in September, it is one of the largest integrated actions in the country against recurrent invasions in this contentious Amazonian area.
While removing illegal cattle on Monday (15/12), a collaborator supporting the teams was caught in gunfire. He received immediate aid on site and was airlifted by helicopter to the hospital in São Félix do Xingu but succumbed to his injuries.
The Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) stated that the land was illegally occupied by cattle ranchers. The agency has initiated steps to probe the crime, identify perpetrators, and hold them accountable. In a statement, Ibama expressed grief over the death, solidarity with the family and friends, and dedication to protecting indigenous lands and upholding court rulings.
"The Institute repudiates any form of violence against public agents and individuals collaborating with state actions," Ibama declared. The Apyterewa TI ranks among Brazil's most deforested areas, with cumulative forest losses exceeding 312,353 km², according to the Amazon Institute of Man and Environment (Imazon).
