Three gunmen opened fire at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon today. Panicked bystanders ran for cover as gunfire erupted.
One attacker was wounded by Lebanese troops who moved very promptly neutralize the threat. An embassy statement confirms no casualties in the attack and praises the swift reaction of army and security forces.
Authorities say a Syrian man opened fire 08:34 local time (5:34 GMT). Soldiers stationed in the area returned fire, wounding the attacker. He was detained and taken to hospital, according to the Lebanese army.
The US Embassy confirms that the assailant opened fire with small arms in the area of the embassy entrance. No members of the diplomatic corps were injured, the embassy said. American diplomats are in close contact with Lebanese law enforcement officials.
The attacker shot a guard and Lebanese forces returned fire, shooting the gunman.
Tighter security measures have been put in place near the US Embassy in the Beirut suburb of Aaoukar after the shooting at the embassy headquarters in Lebanon.
