Gunman fires shots at U.S. embassy in Lebanon: army

Members of the Lebanese Army are seen in the vicinity of the U.S. embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, on June 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

BEIRUT, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. embassy in Lebanon, located in the north of the capital Beirut, came under gunfire Wednesday morning, according to a statement by the Lebanese Army Command.

"The U.S. embassy in Lebanon was exposed to gunfire by a Syrian national. Army members were deployed in the area and responded to the sources of fire, resulting in the injury of the shooter," the statement said, adding the shooter was arrested and taken to a hospital for treatment.

An investigation was launched into the incident, according to the statement.

The U.S. embassy confirmed in a separate statement on social media platform X that "small arms fire" was reported near the entrance to the embassy at 8:34 a.m. local time (0534 GMT).

"Thanks to the quick reaction of the LAF (Lebanese Armed Forces), ISF (Internal Security Forces), and our Embassy security team, our facility and our team are safe," the embassy said.

Meanwhile, local media reported that the embassy was attacked by three gunmen on motorcycles, leading to a heavy exchange of gunfire and a violent clash. Reports indicated one attacker was killed, another was wounded, and the third escaped. Security agencies are searching for the third suspect.

Lebanon's caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati, said he was following up on the incident with the army commander and leaders of security forces. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the incident.

Members of the Lebanese Army stand guard in the vicinity of the U.S. embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, on June 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

Members of the Lebanese Army stand guard in the vicinity of the U.S. embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, on June 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)