Gunman detained after firing shots at US embassy in Lebanon
(MENAFN) The attacker detained for firing shots at the United States embassy compound in Beirut has been identified as a Syrian national, according to statements from the Lebanese military. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, saw the assailant being shot by troops guarding the embassy before being taken to the hospital for treatment. Reports from Saudi broadcaster Al Hadath suggest that the gunman may have links to the terrorist group Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL).
The gunfight outside the embassy reportedly lasted for approximately half an hour, with multiple shots heard in a video clip purportedly recorded in the area during the attack. The United States embassy confirmed reports of small arms fire near the entrance to the compound at 8:34 am local time. Fortunately, due to the swift response of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), Internal Security Forces (ISF), and embassy security team, no injuries were reported among embassy staff, and the facility remained secure.
In response to the incident, the Lebanese military has deployed additional troops outside the embassy and in the surrounding area to enhance security measures. The attack serves as a reminder of the ongoing threats faced by diplomatic missions in volatile regions, particularly in the Middle East.
The United States diplomatic mission in Beirut has a tragic history of terrorist attacks. On April 18, 1983, the embassy suffered a devastating blow when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive-laden van inside the compound. The attack, which occurred during Lebanon's civil war, claimed the lives of 63 people, including 17 Americans. The incident highlighted the dangers inherent in diplomatic efforts during times of conflict and underscored the need for robust security measures to protect embassy personnel and facilities.
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