The US embassy in Damascus is reported to have come under attack, with reports of heavy gunfire and loud explosions.
An attack on the US embassy in Damascus has been foiled by local security forces, Syrian officials say.
Security forces have sealed off the Rawda area, which houses other embassies, security installations and senior officials' residences.
At least three assailants tried to drive a car at the embassy compound but were killed by guards, officials and eyewitnesses said.
There has been no official confirmation of developments in Damascus, which has seen sporadic unrest in recent years.
One report says they blew the car up amid exchanges of gunfire. There are no reports of American casualties.
Syria is an authoritarian state where the security forces exert tight control on the population and the media.
Security forces have sealed off the Rawda area, which houses other embassies and security installations.
A security source told the BBC it is believed Syrian forces may have foiled a bomb attack on the US embassy.
"A terrorist operation targeted the US embassy. Security forces have brought the situation under control.
"Three terrorists were killed and one was wounded," said Interior Minister General Bassam Abdel Majid on state television.
Damascus has seen sporadic unrest in recent years, including a suspected attempt to bomb the Canadian embassy.
Ambulances and fire engines were seen rushing to the area through the mid-morning traffic.
Ambulances and fire engines were seen rushing to the area through the mid-morning traffic.
A BBC correspondent in the region says the reported attack comes at a time of heightened tensions between the Washington and Damascus, with bitterness in Syria over US support for Israeli military action in Lebanon.
Heightened tension
Syria is an authoritarian state where the security forces exert tight control on the population and the media.
Security is usually very tight at the embassy compoundA BBC correspondent in the region says the reported attack comes at a time of heightened tensions between the Washington and Damascus, with bitterness in Syria over US support for Israeli military action in Lebanon.
The US accuses Syria of supporting the insurgency in Iraq and not doing enough to prevent weapons going to Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.
The US accuses Syria of supporting the insurgency in Iraq and not doing enough to prevent weapons going to Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.
In April 2004, four people were killed in a clash between Syrian police and a team of suspected bombers in the diplomatic quarter of Damascus.
In April 2004, four people were killed in a clash between Syrian police and a team of suspected bombers in the diplomatic quarter of Damascus.
The authorities accused Islamic militants of trying to blow up an explosives-laden car near the Canadian embassy.
The authorities accused Islamic militants of trying to blow up an explosives-laden car near the Canadian embassy.
Are you in Damascus? Have you witnessed anything? If so, send us your story.
Are you in Damascus? Have you witnessed anything? If so, send us your story.
