US, Australia Halt Consular Services in Brazil Two Days Before Tense Elections

The United States and Australia have curtailed diplomatic operations in Brazil, citing unspecified security concerns just ahead of the country’s presidential election on Sunday.

The US suspended consular services at its embassy and consulates in Brazil on Friday, and Australia said it had closed its embassy in Brasilia after the American alert.

The State Department did not say when services would resume. It advised US citizens needing emergency help not to go to the embassy, consulates or other diplomatic facilities.

Australia’s ambassador, Sophie Davies, said on social media that her embassy would close Friday, citing the US alert. She also urged Australians to avoid US diplomatic sites in Brazil.

Australia directed citizens to an emergency center in Canberra. All personnel at US diplomatic posts across Brazil were told to work remotely from Friday.

Brazil’s Federal Police said it executed two warrants, in São Paulo and near Brasília, while investigating alleged schemes that could endanger US diplomatic sites. It added that the initial threats had not yet been verified with evidence.

The State Department said it is working closely with Brazilian counterparts on the security concerns, and noted that embassies routinely issue alerts about local threats. It did not link the move to the election.

The timing has nonetheless sharpened political tensions. The announcement came at a delicate moment in US-Brazil relations. Brazilian intelligence officials recently briefed a French and German delegation on what they described as US and Russian interference ahead of the vote.

Allies of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva have pointed to US tariffs and a Washington effort to send officials to discuss “electoral integrity” as evidence of foreign meddling. Brazil’s foreign ministry declined to comment.

The vote also has a strong US connection. Asked at the White House whether he would back Bolsonaro, President Donald Trump said Washington was watching the election very closely. Bolsonaro is a Trump ally. Jair Bolsonaro is serving a 27-year sentence for attempting a coup.

If no candidate wins more than 50 percent on Sunday, a runoff will be held on October 25. For now, Americans and Australians in Brazil are being told to rely on phone contact and emergency hotlines rather than walk-in help.…Read more by News Desk