Brazilian Authorities Detain Soldiers in Foiled Assassination Plot Against President Lula

In a shocking development, five individuals, including active military personnel, have been detained in Brazil as part of an investigation into a plot to kill President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva before his inauguration on January 1, 2023. This significant arrest highlights concerns over national security in the wake of recent political turmoil.

In the early hours of Tuesday, Brazilian police apprehended four soldiers and one police officer, all suspected of being involved in a conspiracy to assassinate Lula and his vice-presidential pick, Geraldo Alckmin, on December 15, 2022. Reports indicate that these individuals were part of a broader criminal organization that allegedly leveraged military expertise to execute their plan. The investigation revealed a disturbing level of premeditation, as the assailants had even discussed various methods of execution, including poisoning. This operation, dubbed the "green and yellow dagger," referenced the colors of the Brazilian flag.

Federal police have stated that the suspects displayed considerable technical knowledge in their illicit activities during November and December of last year. The arrests, sanctioned by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, occurred while the suspects were involved in security operations for the ongoing G20 summit in Rio.

This incident marks a notable moment in Brazil’s recent political history, coming only days after Lula's inauguration, which was followed by violent riots by Bolsonaro supporters. The recent arrests shed light on ongoing investigations surrounding other potential threats to Lula's administration, prompting calls for heightened security and scrutiny of military conduct within the politically charged environment of Brazil.