Threats of violence – particularly involving kidnapping – has prompted the U.S. State Department to update its travel advisory for a popular tropical destination.

On Aug. 8, the travel update for Brazil was updated to indicate the increased risk of kidnapping. Brazil is under a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Advisory. According to the advisory, there was a kidnapping for ransom of a U.S. traveler in Brazil, though no details of location were provided.

The remainder of the advisory dealt with other violence across the country.

“Violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, and carjacking, can occur in urban areas, day and night,” the State Department said. “Gang activity and organized crime are widespread and often tied to the recreational drug trade. Assaults, including with se

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