An attack on the US embassy in Damascus has been foiled by local security forces, Syrian officials say.
An attack on the US embassy in Damascus has been foiled by local security forces, Syrian officials say.
At least three assailants tried to drive a car at the embassy compound but were killed by guards, officials and eyewitnesses said.
At least three assailants tried to drive a car at the embassy compound but were killed by guards, officials and eyewitnesses said.
One report says they blew the car up amid exchanges of gunfire. There are no reports of American casualties.
One report says they blew the car up amid exchanges of gunfire. There are no reports of American casualties.
Security forces have sealed off the Rawda area, which houses other embassies and security installations.
Security forces have sealed off the Rawda area, which houses other embassies and security installations.
Damascus has seen sporadic unrest in recent years, including a suspected attempt to bomb the Canadian embassy.
"A terrorist operation targeted the US embassy. Security forces have brought the situation under control.
"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.
"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.
Witnesses said after the initial exchange of fire two of the attackers sought refuge in a nearby building but were pursued and gunned down by security forces.
Ambulances and fire engines were seen rushing to the area through the mid-morning traffic.
TV footage from the scene showed pools of blood on the pavement and what appear to be improvised explosive devices using pipes and a gas canister.
Heightened tension
Heightened tension
Syria is an authoritarian state where the security forces exert tight control on the population and the media.
Syria is an authoritarian state where the security forces exert tight control on the population and the media.
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.
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.
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.
