The national government ordered the deployment of the Army and Navy on the northern border, as part of the “Operativo Roca”, in collaboration with the National Gendarmerie.
This action, supported by Decree 1112/2024 and framed within the National Defense Law, includes flexible surveillance of critical areas and authorizes the temporary detention of civilians in cases of flagrante delicto.
Strategic deployment and advanced equipment
Officially announced on April 15, the operation provides for an adaptable action plan for the different scenarios presented by the extensive northern border. More than 10,000 Army personnel participate in the initiative, of which 1,300 remain permanently in the intervention areas.
The personnel were instructed under the “Rules of Engagement,” guidelines that define the actions of the troops on national territory, and received new individual protection equipment. Additionally, drones, mobile radars, helicopters, Diamond aircraft, and state-of-the-art communication systems are used for control and survey tasks.
Political defense of the operation
In response to the criticism that arose after the measure was released, the Minister of Defense, Luis Petri, defended it: “Yes, it is a controversial measure for all those who defend drug traffickers, terrorists, and violent criminals. Choose which side you're going to be on.”
Petri emphasized that the law allows the Armed Forces to participate in border control and that detention in flagrante delicto is contemplated in both national and provincial procedural codes. He also questioned that "only the ideological bias" had historically limited these actions.
“All countries bordering Argentina use their armed forces for border control and surveillance; the United States announced it in January. Why are some people here scandalized?” the official added.
