The United States suspended consular services at its embassy and consulates in Brazil on Friday, citing unspecified security concerns, while Australia temporarily closed its embassy in Brasilia after referring to the US security alert. The moves came two days before Brazil’s presidential election, scheduled for Sunday, October 4. The US State Department did not provide details about the nature of the security concerns and did not directly link the suspension to the election. It said Washington was working closely with Brazilian authorities to address the concerns.

The US Embassy said consular services at its embassy and consulates in Brazil would remain suspended from Friday and advised American citizens requiring emergency assistance not to visit US diplomatic facilities during the suspension. No date was immediately given for the resumption of services. The Australian Embassy in Brasilia also announced its closure for Friday, citing the US alert, and advised Australians to avoid US diplomatic facilities. Australia’s security advisory also urged citizens to remain alert to potential threats in public places.

The diplomatic closures coincided with a preventive operation by Brazil’s Federal Police investigating suspected plans that could threaten US diplomatic facilities. Police carried out search-and-seizure warrants in Sao Paulo and the Federal District on Friday as part of the investigation. Authorities said the operation followed cooperation with foreign intelligence agencies. However, investigators said they had not found evidence corroborating the initially reported risks and had not identified suspects connected to criminal organisations. Communication equipment was seized and the investigation remains ongoing.

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The United States has not disclosed whether the security concerns that prompted the suspension were connected to the police operation. The State Department said US embassies and consulates routinely issue alerts about threats, local events and developments, while stressing that it was working with Brazilian counterparts. The timing has nevertheless drawn attention because Brazil is preparing for a closely watched presidential election, with incumbent President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva seeking another term.

Brazil’s election has also been accompanied by political tensions over allegations of foreign interference. Lula and his allies have raised concerns about possible external influence, while the US has not said that its decision to suspend consular services was intended to affect the election. The campaign is taking place amid broader security concerns in Brazil, with violent crime among issues discussed by candidates. If no presidential candidate secures more than 50% of the vote on Sunday, a runoff is scheduled for October 25.

For now, the US and Australian diplomatic restrictions are temporary measures based on stated security concerns, while Brazilian authorities continue investigating the alleged threat to US facilities. Brazilian police have said that their preventive searches have not so far produced evidence confirming the reported risks or established links to criminal organisations. The US has not announced when its consular services will resume, leaving emergency assistance arrangements in place for American citizens during the suspension.

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