Gunman tries to assault U.S. Embassy in Lebanon, navy says

Beirut — A gunman was shot and captured by Lebanese troopers after making an attempt to assault the U.S. Embassy Wednesday, the navy mentioned. The embassy is outdoors Beirut.

The assault occurred as tensions continued to simmer within the tiny Mediterranean nation, the place months of combating between Hezbollah militants and Israeli troops has displaced 1000’s alongside the border following years of political impasse and financial hardship.

The Lebanese navy in an announcement mentioned that troopers shot an assailant, who they solely described as a Syrian nationwide. The gunman was taken to a hospital.

The shooters motives weren’t clear. Nevertheless, Lebanese media have printed photographs that seem to indicate a bloodied attacker carrying a black vest with the phrases “Islamic State” written in Arabic and the English initials “I” and “S.” ISIS is also referred to as the Islamic State.

Native media reported that there was a gunfight for nearly half an hour close to the U.S. diplomatic mission within the suburb of Aukar, north of Beirut.

A Lebanese safety official instructed The Related Press there have been 4 assailants, together with one who drove the gunmen to the location and three who opened hearth.

One shooter was killed, one escaped, and the third was wounded and detained by the Lebanese navy. The official spoke on situation of anonymity as a result of they weren’t cleared to talk to the press.

The U.S. Embassy mentioned small arms hearth was reported close to its entrance however the gunfire did not wound any of its workers members and that Lebanese troops and embassy safety mobilized rapidly.

A press release from Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s workplace mentioned that he was knowledgeable following conferences with the protection minister and military commander that the scenario was now secure and that critical investigations are underway.  

The Lebanese navy mentioned it deployed troops across the embassy and surrounding areas.

In 1983, a lethal bombing assault on the U.S. Embassy in Beirut killed 63 folks.. U.S. officers blame the assault on the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

Following that assault, the embassy was moved from central Beirut to the Christian suburb of Aukar, north of the capital. One other bomb assault struck the brand new location on Sept. 20, 1984.

In September 2023, Lebanese safety forces detained a Lebanese man who opened hearth by the U.S. Embassy. There have been no casualties in that assault.

In October 2023, a whole bunch of protesters clashed with Lebanese safety forces in demonstrations close to the U.S. Embassy in assist of Gaza’s folks and the militant group Hamas in its battle with Israel.