Brasilia:US Embassy Consular services in Brazil have been suspended by the US Embassy and its consulates starting Friday due to security concerns.

According to Anadolu Agency, the US Mission Brazil released a statement indicating that the suspension would begin on October 2, without providing a specific date for when services would resume. The statement advised US citizens seeking emergency assistance not to visit the embassy, consulates, or other diplomatic facilities, but to contact the appropriate Duty Officer for help.

In a separate development, the Australian Embassy in Brasilia also closed on Friday for similar security reasons, as reported by Australia's ambassador to Brazil, Sophie Davies. She advised individuals requiring consular assistance to reach out to the Consular Emergency Centre located in Canberra.

The suspension of consular services comes as Brazil prepares for its general elections on Sunday, where citizens will vote for the president, members of parliament, and governors across 26 states, among other positions.