US closes embassy in Brazil ahead of election

 

TT-AFP

 

Published 15.14

 

A man cleans graffiti off the wall of the US embassy in the capital, Brasília. File photo. Photo: Eraldo Peres /AP/TT

The US has suspended consular services in Brazil starting Friday. The reason cited is "security concerns" ahead of the election.

"US citizens seeking urgent assistance during this period should not come to the embassy, ​​consulates, or other US diplomatic facilities," the US mission in the country states.

The US State Department has not provided details regarding the nature of the security threat, nor when the missions will reopen, Reuters reports.

The US has an embassy and four consulates in Brazil. The country's presidential election is being held on Sunday, October 4.