Soldiers reportedly visited Albina, Snesikondre, Stoelmanseiland, Papaiston, Lawa Tabiki, Benzdorp and Langatabiki. The goal of this operation was to make the presence of the army known and to make the people along the eastern border feel safe. Soldiers moved from one village to another via the rivers so that more villages could be reached with these Long Range River Patrols. Operation MARAI is aimed at protecting the Surinamese sovereignty while maintaining law and order in the border region. The Defense Ministry explained that it is important for the people in that region to see the presence of the army.