Loggers would have ambushed and killed an indigenous leader in Brazil

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in a new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in a new window)
• Click here to share on LinkedIn (Opens in a new window)
• Click to email a friend (Opens in a new window)

(CNN) - An indigenous leader was killed and another injured when loggers allegedly ambushed them in the state of Maranhão, in northeastern Brazil.

The attack occurred on Friday when two indigenous members of a group known as "Forest Guardians" left their village in search of water. The “Forest Guardians” were approached by 5 armed men who immediately began shooting at them, according to the Secretary of Human Rights of Maranhão.

• Images show an isolated Amazon tribe threatened by loggers

One of the indigenous leaders, Paulo Paulino Guajajara, was reportedly shot in the neck and the second was shot in the back, but was able to escape, according to the non-profit indigenous NGO Survival International in a press release.

Sergio Moro, Minister of Justice and Public Security of Brazil, described the incident as a "terrible" crime: "We will spare no effort to bring those responsible for this serious crime to justice," Moro tweeted.

Brazilian federal police said they would investigate the attack.

The Guajarara are an indigenous tribe that works to protect the rainforest. The groups have been continually threatened by loggers who, according to experts, have taken advantage of reduced controls and less supervision to take control of forest lands.

Natives