Syrian gunman wounded and arrested after attacking US embassy in Awkar

A Syrian individual was apprehended following a shooting incident near the U.S. embassy in Beirut on Wednesday, as reported by the Lebanese army. The embassy confirmed the safety of its staff.

The army stated on X, previously known as Twitter, that the U.S. embassy, located in the northern suburb of Awkar, “was subjected to gunfire by a person holding Syrian nationality.”

Army personnel stationed in the area responded to the gunfire, injuring the shooter, who was subsequently arrested and taken to a hospital. The army also mentioned that an investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

The U.S. embassy noted that at 8:34 am (0534 GMT), small arms fire was reported near the entrance. The embassy credited the quick response of the Lebanese army, security forces, and the embassy security team for ensuring the safety of the facility and its staff. The embassy added that investigations are underway and they are in close contact with local law enforcement.

An AFP photographer reported that access to the area around the embassy was restricted, with a significant army presence. Social media images captured the sound of gunfire, with a man saying in Arabic, “there’s an attack on the embassy.”

A judicial source informed AFP that security forces were searching the wooded areas near the embassy for any accomplices, and noted that the shooter’s injuries were serious.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati spoke with army and security officials, who assured him that “the situation is under control.” A statement from his office confirmed that an investigation is ongoing to determine the incident’s circumstances and to apprehend all those involved. It was also mentioned that U.S. ambassador Lisa Johnson is currently outside Lebanon.

This incident follows a similar event in September last year, when a gunman fired at the U.S. embassy without causing casualties. The shooter in that case was reportedly a delivery driver seeking revenge for perceived mistreatment by security personnel. That shooting occurred on the anniversary of the 1984 car bombing outside the U.S. embassy annex in Beirut, which the U.S. attributed to Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group.

During Lebanon’s 1975-1990 civil war, U.S. diplomatic and military missions faced multiple attacks, including hostage-taking by hardline Islamists. The U.S. embassy relocated to Awkar after an April 1983 suicide bombing killed 63 people.