The United States and Australia close their embassies in Brazil due to pre-election threats

The governments of the United States and Australia announced this Friday the closure of their embassies and consulates in Brazil due to the climate of pre-electoral tension in the South American giant, which elects a president this Sunday.

"US citizens who need emergency assistance during this period should not go to the embassy, ​​consulates or other diplomatic facilities of the United States," the diplomatic representation said in a statement.

A profile on a social network in which it was stated that a bomb would be placed in the US embassy was the reason that led Washington to close its representations in Brazil. "A police operation located the author of the threat and found nothing," reported Folha de Sao Paulo.

"According to American diplomats, it is quite common for there to be threatening messages on social media directed at American consulates and embassies around the world, and these are taken very seriously, given the history of attacks against the country. But they do not always result in the closure of all diplomatic representations in a country," the newspaper added.

The level of tension in relations between the governments of Donald Trump and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who is seeking a fourth term, partly explains the United States' decision. Flávio Bolsonaro, candidate of the hard right, is Lula's great rival.

In the same hours, Australia made a similar decision.

Canberra advised its citizens to exercise "extreme caution" in Brazil due to the "risk of violent crime." In addition to the usual references to armed robberies and vehicle thefts, the statement also mentions "possible terrorist threats", although it does not explain what the risks related to the elections would be.

"The United States has issued a security alert advising its citizens to stay away from US diplomatic facilities in Brazil due to security concerns. We advise Australians to also avoid the US embassy, ​​consulates and diplomatic facilities in Brazil, as well as surrounding areas," the Australian government said in its statement.

"Terrorism is a global threat. Terrorist attacks can occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather," Australia added without giving specific references to the extraordinary threats in Brazil that led it to close its representations.

Lula and Bolsonaro plan to close their campaigns this Saturday, with the expectation of winning in the first round. If not, on October 25 there will be a second and decisive round between the first two.