February 3, 2012. Government Warning Issued for Brazil

SOURCE:

U.S. Department of State

This message is to alert U.S. citizens to security concerns stemming from a state-wide work stoppage by the Military Police in the State of Bahia that began on Wednesday, February 1. The areas affected include the popular tourist and business destination of Salvador.

There have been reports of store lootings, blockages of major streets and highways and of "arrastoes" (swarming or assaults by large groups of youths). So far, there are no reports of assaults on U.S. citizens in the area. Brazilian national security forces have been called in to maintain order and are reportedly already deploying into the city.

U.S. citizens are urged to monitor media reports about security conditions in Salvador and the State of Bahia and to consider delaying any non-essential travel to those areas until the security conditions have stabilized.

Copyright © 2012, U.S. Department of State