The arrests occurred on Tuesday, November 19, in Rio, where the soldiers were part of the security detail for the G20 summit.

In addition to the soldiers, a police officer was also detained. Sources indicate that most of the arrested individuals were soldiers with special forces training, although no specific mention was made regarding their involvement in the G20 security operations.

The arrests took place during the second day of the G20 summit, which is attended by global leaders, including US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Brazilian authorities have described the operation as a step toward dismantling a criminal group allegedly responsible for planning to prevent Lula from assuming power after his victory in the 2022 elections.

The plot, which was scheduled to occur on December 15, 2022, reportedly involved assassinations of Lula, his vice-presidential candidate, and a Supreme Court justice. The conspirators also aimed to establish a “crisis cabinet” following the killings.

The suspects are said to have been highly trained in military tactics and had code-named their plan “Green and Yellow Dagger,” referencing the colors of Brazil’s national flag. They now face charges related to coup-plotting, attempting to violently overthrow the government, and involvement in a criminal organization.

This arrest comes shortly after a failed bombing attempt on Brazil’s Supreme Court by a far-right extremist, who died in the attack.

The suspect in that incident is also believed to have been involved in the January 2023 insurrection, in which supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed government buildings in Brasília in an effort to prevent Lula from taking office. Multiple investigations are ongoing concerning that riot and other alleged efforts to disrupt Lula’s administration.