The Amazonia War began on February 16, 1972 when Brazilian soldiers stormed the three South American socialist countries: Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador. One of the bloodiest wars in the history of Brazil, it consisted of more than two years of battle on the border of the Empire with these three republics. On April 3, 1972, the Soviet air force helped the socialist countries in the battle. Similarly, Brazil was supported by the American Air Force on April 20. In March 1974, Brazil finally defeated all the remaining soldiers and colonized the region.