Brazilian army is ready to protect the Amazon rainforest, says general

The Brazilian army is ready to defend the Amazon rainforest, Edson Leal Pujol, head of the armed forces, said on Friday amid increasing international pressure and calls for tough action to combat fires sweeping through the forest.

"To the unwary who insist on safeguarding the purposes of the Brazilian Amazon, make no mistake, soldiers will always be alert and vigilant, ready to defend and repel any kind of threat", Pujol said in a speech during a Soldier's Day ceremony in Brasilia.