The United States and Australia have suspended diplomatic and consular services in Brazil, citing security concerns just days before the country’s presidential election.
The US Mission in Brazil announced on Friday that consular operations at its embassy and consulates had been suspended. American citizens requiring emergency assistance were advised not to visit US diplomatic facilities during the suspension. The mission did not disclose specific details about the security concerns.
Australia also closed its embassy in Brasília following the US security alert.
The decisions came two days before Brazilians were due to vote in an election featuring President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
The US State Department has not directly linked the suspension to the election. However, the move comes against a backdrop of heightened political tensions and concerns about possible foreign interference in the vote.
US President Donald Trump has said he is closely following the Brazilian election and has openly supported right-wing political movements in Latin America.
Brazilian authorities have also been investigating alleged threats against US diplomatic facilities. On Friday, the Federal Police carried out search-and-seizure operations in São Paulo and near Brasília as part of an investigation into possible plans to attack US diplomatic sites. Authorities said they had not found concrete evidence confirming the suspected threat or established links between those investigated and criminal organisations.
The security situation also followed an incident near Brazil’s Supreme Court, where police temporarily closed several streets after receiving a false bomb threat.
The Supreme Court is located close to the US Embassy in Brasília, adding to concerns around security in the capital ahead of the election.
Brazil’s political environment has become increasingly tense, with the government and opposition exchanging accusations over foreign influence and the role of international actors in the election process.
For now, both countries have cited security concerns as the reason for their diplomatic service changes, without publicly providing further details about the specific threats involved.
