A police strike running into its second week prompted an eruption of criminal violence in the city of Salvador in the state of Bahia July 12. Dozens of shops were looted in organized raids and random robberies occurred throughout the city. The U.S. Consular Agency closed until the situation stabilizes and 2,000 army troops were authorized to move into the city to restore order. Salvador is a popular tourist destination and center of West African-Brazilian culture that is usually quite safe. Defer travel here until calm has been restored. Police in Sao Paulo and Brazilia are also threatening to strike if their wage demands are not met. Follow local press reports if planning to visit either city, and defer travel if strikes occur.
