Joint GDF-Brazil patrols hit illegal mining

Nov 24, 2025 News

…as soldiers tighten grip on porous border

(Kaieteur News) – The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Brazilian Army have intensified their joint security posture along the Takutu and Ireng frontiers, completing a high-impact series of mirrored patrols that targeted illegal mining, cross-border trafficking, and other illicit activities plaguing Region Nine.

Joint GDF-Brazil patrols hit illegal mining

Soldiers from the GDF and Brazil.

According to a GDF release, senior commanders from both militaries met on November 13 to synchronise the multi-layered operation, which deployed air, mobile, and motorised patrol teams across Bonfim and Normandia in Brazil, and Kanapang and Chiung on the Guyanese side. The coordinated sweep forms part of the growing bilateral push to lock down one of the most vulnerable stretches of border shared by the two nations.

One of of the mining operations that was destroyed during the joint patrol.

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 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.

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 up 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. The joint activities reaffirmed the commitment of the GDF and the Brazilian Army to deepening bilateral cooperation, strengthening border security, and safeguarding the wellbeing of communities along the Takutu and Ireng frontiers.

Discover more from Kaieteur News

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Border, Brazil patrols, GDF, Illegal mining, Ireng, Takutu

Latest News