The start of exploration of the oil deposits along the Brazilian coast caught the attention of foreign powers. Multinational companies, supported by the governments of their countries, did not recognize the region as Brazilian territory and affirmed that the fields were in international waters. The Brazilian government, concerned about the growing threat to its sovereignty, decided to increase its vigilance, conducting patrols in the region, and threatened to attack vessels that violated its maritime territory for prospecting and exploration activities in search of natural resources.
Protecting Brazil’s Riches
January 03, 2012