Between October and December 1977, the island of Colares in Pará, Brazil, was gripped by a series of mysterious aerial phenomena later dubbed the “Chupa‑Chupa” incidents (Portuguese slang meaning “sucker‑sucker”), named for the eerie beams of light locals believed were draining energy or blood from victims.Dozens of residents sought medical attention for circular burns, puncture wounds, hair loss, anemia, nausea, and paralysis. Some serious cases were reported to have resulted in death.The local health official, Dr. Wellaide Carvalho, treated approximately 40 burn cases, some of which appeared within minutes, far faster than typical burns. Two victims reportedly died.Operation Saucer (Operação Prato)In response to escalating fear, the Brazilian Air Force launched Operation Saucer, led by Captain Uyrangê Hollanda and his team. Their mission:- Document sightings—reportedly over 500 encounters—and collect photographs, film footage, maps, and sketches.- Interview hundreds of local witnesses and patients in Colares and nearby villages.- Record objects described as luminous discs and probes observed performing high-speed maneuvers and hovering behavior.The operation officially concluded in late December 1977 after a few months. While military documents claimed no unusual phenomena were found, the extensive collected materials remained classified.Captain Hollanda’s Testimony & AftermathIn 1997, two decades after the events, Captain Hollanda spoke with UFO researchers, revealing he had personally witnessed several UFO incidents and eye injuries consistent with burns from these lights.His death shortly thereafter was officially ruled a suicide, though conspiracy theories argue otherwise.Ufologist Ademar José Gevaerd (Revista UFO) later revealed classified documents showing at least nine types of unidentified objects involved.Theories & Speculation- Extraterrestrial origin: consistent burn and anemia symptoms led some to suspect alien energy/hypnosis beams.- Secret military tech: former US intelligence official Christopher Elizondo suggested Colares sightings might have involved covert US or Soviet craft. Brazil may have downplayed the case to avoid diplomatic fallout.- Mass hysteria or natural phenomena: skeptics argue the “attacks” were exaggerations or misinterpreted lights, though the physical injuries challenge such explanations.Documents & Cultural LegacyIn 2005, Brazilian UFO researchers were allowed to view roughly 110 photos and 160 documents from the operation—these archives remain tightly controlled.The files reportedly include film footage of luminous objects diving into Marajó Bay.The case continues to influence popular culture, including Netflix’s “Alien Investigation” and the Globoplay podcast “Operation Prato.”Have There Been Recent Sightings?So far, nothing as dramatic has recurred in Colares, though there are occasional UFO narratives in the broader region of Pará and northern Brazil. Some ufologists mention sightings near Vigia, but without physical injuries or strong documentation.Recent online updates caution against viral hoaxes; no verified UFO flights or artifacts have emerged sinceSummary & Ongoing Mysteries- Key Question: What We Know- Were people really harmed? Medical accounts support unusual burns and anemia—hard to dismiss.- Was it extraterrestrial? Eyewitnesses & Hollanda believed so, but no definitive proof.- Government/FAB role: Initially dismissed publicly, but hidden archives show serious engagement.- New events? None with similar scope or physical injuries. Digital claims remain unverified.Final ThoughtsThe Colares UFO incident remains one of the most compelling and controversial UFO flaps recorded, especially due to the reported physical effects on dozens of people and the direct involvement of the Brazilian Air Force. The secrecy and the captain’s testimony keep it alive in UFO folklore.While newer claims may fuel local lore, nothing matches the seriousness of the 1977 events. Whether extraterrestrials, covert tech, or misclassified natural events, the mystery endures—alongside a trove of untapped military documents and eyewitness stories. Lon**********-----PHANTOMS & MONSTERS RADIO is LIVEFRIDAY at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT onYouTube & FacebookPENNSYLVANIA: CREEPY & MYSTERIOUS COMMONWEALTH | Join Us - LIVE CHAT | Q&A (CHILLING PAST & PRESENT)PHANTOMS & MONSTERS VIDEO LIBRARYLISTEN TO NARRATIONS OF PHANTOMS & MONSTERS REPORTS & CASES - PLEASE SUBSCRIBE, LIKE & SHAREPHANTOMS & MONSTERS RADIO Podcasts on SpotifyHave you had a sighting or encounter?Contact me by email or call the hotline at 410-241-5974Thanks. LonOUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS-----If you have information about the Chicago Mothman or any other cryptid, unexplained sighting, or encounter, please contact me by email or at 410-241-5974. Thanks again! LonCHICAGO MOTHMAN / O'HARE BATMAN YouTube PlaylistChicago / Lake Michigan Winged Humanoid Regional Interactive MapEXCLUSIVE VIDEO of CHICAGO MOTHMAN RECORDED----------The Serpent's Key • 28 Carlisle St. HANOVER, PA 17331-------------------------Are you searching for a reasonable, cost-effective way to advertise your business, book, event, investigative team, or podcast? Phantoms & Monsters provides wide exposure for your ad on social media and media aggregators. Contact me at stricklercelebs1028@gmail.com or go to this link. We also provide free graphic creation if needed. Thanks. Lon----------YOUR SUPPORT IS APPRECIATED! THANKS-----Have you had a sighting or encounter?Contact us by email or call the hotline at 410-241-5974Thanks. Lon Noted UFOlogist Dr. Raymond Keller believes the idea of extraterrestrials and even ultra-dimensional beings from many different planets and alternate realms living and working among us clandestinely is more than just another conspiracy theory.Available on Amazon.comSan Francisco Book Festival Honorable MentionNew York Book Festival Honorable MentionAlso available with audiobookNarration by Terry Springs,CBS-TV Las Vegas affiliate.OUR PRIVACY POLICYThis blog and newsletter are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.Registered trademark PHANTOMS AND MONSTERS ® / PHANTOMS & MONSTERS ® - USPTO #90902480 - Lon D. Strickler© 2005-2025 Phantoms & Monsters - All Rights Reserved