US, Australia suspend consular services in Brazil ahead of election

U.S. consular services and the Australian embassy have closed in Brazil due to security concernsRIO DE JANEIRO -- U.S. consular services and the Australian embassy in Brazil closed Friday citing security concerns, two days before the country's presidential election, authorities from both countries said.Also on Friday, Brazil’s federal police said they executed search and seizure warrants in Sao Paulo and the Federal District as part of an investigation into suspected plans that could threaten U.S. diplomatic facilities in Brazil.Police described the operation as preventive and said it resulted from ongoing cooperation with foreign intelligence agencies. Investigators found no evidence to corroborate the initial reported risks, nor had they identified any suspects as being involved in criminal organizations.An investigation is ongoing following the seizure of communication equipment, police said.In a statement dated Thursday, the U.S. Embassy issued a security alert saying it would be suspending consular services at the embassy and consulates starting Friday.The alert advised U.S. citizens seeking assistance not to visit the embassy, consulates or other diplomatic facilities, and in...