US Suspends Consular Services in Brazil Ahead of Election over Security Concerns

AP

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is running for reelection, arrives carrying a Brazilian flag to attend a campaign rally.

The United States suspended consular services at its embassy and consulates in Brazil on Friday, citing unspecified security concerns just days before the country’s presidential election. Australia also announced that it had closed its embassy in Brazil following the US security alert.

"Consular Services in the US Embassy and Consulates in Brazil will be suspended starting Friday, October 2 due to security concerns," the US State Department said in a statement Thursday. "US citizens seeking emergency assistance during this time should not come to the Embassy, the Consulates, or other US diplomatic facilities."

Australia's ambassador to Brazil, Sophie Davies, said on social media that the Australian embassy in Brasilia would also be closed on Friday due to security concerns, citing the alert issued by the US.

"We also advise avoiding the US Embassy, consulates and other diplomatic ‌facilities ⁠in Brazil and surrounding areas," Davies said.

Brazilians will vote for president on Sunday in a race that will determine whether Latin America's largest nation follows the conservative shift that has swept the region or charts its own course.

Leftist President Luiz ⁠Inacio Lula da Silva has warned of foreign interference in the election, including fresh tariffs from Washington.

Brazilian intelligence officials this month briefed a French and German delegation in Brasilia on alleged US and Russian interference before Brazil's ⁠election. 

Source: Reuters



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