The United States and Australia have suspended their consular and diplomatic services in Brazil. The closures, which began Friday, affect the U.S. embassy and consulates across the country as well as the Australian embassy.
Authorities, including the U.S. State Department, cited unspecified security concerns and threats as the reason for the unusual move. The suspension of operations comes just two days before the country's general elections.
The diplomatic closures occur amidst a high-stakes and closely fought presidential race. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and rival Flavio Bolsonaro are making last-ditch efforts to win voters ahead of Sunday's election.