The ongoing operation against illegal mining in Brazil's Yanomami territory has resulted in the destruction of 80 clandestine airstrips utilized for illegal activities, including logistical support routes into Venezuela. The operation, known as Catrimani II, is being conducted by the Brazilian Armed Forces and has been active since June 2024. The most recent airstrip decommissioned was located in the Iracema region of southern Roraima.

Military officials highlighted the strategic significance of these airstrips, particularly the latest one, Lobo D'Almada, which spans 400 meters. Previously disabled in November 2025, it had been reopened by criminals who filled the craters with dirt and wood to facilitate aircraft landings. This area has been identified as high-impact due to the notable presence of illegal miners, making it a priority target for the military operation aimed at curbing illegal mining activities in the region.

The destruction of these airstrips not only disrupts illegal mining operations but also reveals the extensive network that supports such activities, including connections to neighboring Venezuela. The Brazilian military's actions underscore the ongoing struggle against illegal mining in the Amazon and its associated criminal networks, while also aiming to protect the Yanomami indigenous lands and uphold environmental regulations in the face of increasing illegal encroachment.