Gunfire Incident Targets US Embassy Compound in Beirut, Lebanon, Resulting in Injuries and Attacker’s Arrest

Early Wednesday, an assailant opened fire on the US Embassy in Lebanon, leading to a confrontation with Lebanese security forces. The Lebanese army reported that the attacker was injured and subsequently apprehended.

During the incident, a security guard at the embassy sustained injuries, although the extent of the wounds has not been disclosed by embassy officials.

As per the reports, the gunfire erupted near the entrance of the heavily fortified embassy compound, situated in the capital city of Beirut. Responding, both Lebanese security forces and the embassy’s own security team swiftly reacted to contain the situation. The embassy confirmed that all its staff members remained unharmed.

The Lebanese army revealed that the perpetrator was a Syrian national. Soldiers, deployed in reaction to the attack, managed to wound the assailant, who is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital.

Initial investigations suggest that the attacker acted alone, as per a Lebanese security official who preferred anonymity due to the ongoing inquiry.

Witnesses reported a prolonged gun battle lasting nearly thirty minutes before the assailant was subdued and taken into custody. Prime Minister Najib Mikati assured the public that the situation has been brought under control and remains stable.

This is not the first instance of the US Embassy facing security threats. In September, another assailant fired upon the compound, although no injuries were reported, and the suspect was subsequently apprehended. In addition, in October, protests near the embassy turned violent following a deadly explosion at Al-Ahli Hospital in the Gaza Strip.

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The relocation of the embassy from central Beirut to the suburb of Awkar in the north occurred after a devastating suicide bombing in 1983, which claimed the lives of 63 individuals. US officials attributed the attack to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which has since been involved in ongoing clashes with Israeli forces across the border.