U.S. embassy attacked in Lebanon, at least one person killed

Omar Tamo
Bloomberg News
(TNS)

The Lebanese army said it arrested a gunman who fired shots at the U.S. embassy north of the capital.

Soldiers deployed near the embassy fired back, wounding the man who was identified as Syrian, the army said in a statement. He was later arrested and taken to a hospital for treatment.

The U.S. embassy said that small arms fire was reported at 8:34 a.m. local time in the vicinity of the embassy’s entrance, adding that the facility and personnel are safe.

BREAKING: SHOOTING AT THE U.S EMBASSY IN BEIRUT, LEBANON.

3 members opened fire on the American embassy in Beirut. The Lebanese army killed one of the attackers while conducting sweeping operations in the vicinity of the embassy. pic.twitter.com/oQYl2Foxu4

— Ella_News🇺🇸 (@Ella_Donne_) June 5, 2024

The U.S. has been a target of criticism for its support of Israel in the war in Gaza against Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and E.U. There have been a few protests outside the U.S. embassy since the war began on Oct. 7.

The Lebanese group Hezbollah, Iran’s most powerful proxy militia, has also been trading fire with Israel across the border.

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