This is the second volume on the various issues with communist guerillas in Brazil during the late 60s and early 1970s. It was also a time of political turmoil outside the issue with insurrections and as a result, Brazil, as with other nations in the area, was run by a military junta.

One thing about being ruled by an authoritarian regime is that they were not concerned with public opinion and if anyone disagreed too loudly, they tended to disappear. It also meant that there was no real outcry if the military performed atrocities against insurgents as anyone who knew about was certain to keep quiet for fear of their lives. This was pretty much the case in the operations in Araguaia, which is in the northwest portion of Brazil.

Though the insurgents were fairly well organized, they were people who were not used to living in the jungle so succumbed to the ravages of disease. They were also unable to bring together the weapons and funding needed to carry out a proper insurgency. Once they were discovered, the military simply kept an eye on them until the time was ripe.

Thanks to having a very professional military and air arm, the government carried out a series of operations to eradicate the revolutionaries. Not only were they effectively wiped out, but so were many of the civilians who interacted with them or witnessed their demise. This was a 'secret' that was kept by the Brazilian military and even today they will not admit to their actions. 

As usual the book is very well researched and quite image intensive. This is something I appreciate and it makes for one of the quicker reads. I can imagine that doing research on a subject the government is loathe to admit any details was quite difficult. However, they have pieced together quite a readable history. It makes for a great read and I can recommend this one to you. 

June 2025

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