Army Mobilizes to Defend Balbina Dam

Brazilian Military in Amazon (archive)

I know I should be working, but this one caught my eye: "Brazil defends Amazon dam in simulated war. Beginning yesterday, the `Green´ country (Brazil) will be invaded by the `Yellow´ country, which will occupy Balbina Dam and mineral-rich areas in the Amazon." The Brazilian Navy, Army, and Air Force will mobilize to halt the nefarious "Yellow" plans. According to the operation´s site, the principal objective is to protect the dam and electric system installations.

Social movements, watch your step! Indians opposing dams, hide your machetes! Somehow, with the escalating rhetoric about Brazil´s sovereignty over the Amazon, and proposals for military bases in indigenous areas, this "war game" could be more real than it appears.

The site for the military operation, http://www.poraque.mil.br was up earlier today, and then went off-the-air. You can try it again later