Gunmen stormed the US Embassy in Lebanon on Wednesday morning, according to statements from the US government and the Lebanese army.
“At 8:34 a.m. local time, small arms fire was reported near the entrance to the U.S. Embassy. Thanks to the rapid response of the LAF, [Lebanon Armed Forces]I.S.F. [Israel Security Forces]”The embassy security team, facilities and staff are safe. An investigation is ongoing and we are in close contact with host country law enforcement authorities,” the embassy said in a statement about X.
At 8:34am local time, small arms fire was reported near the entrance to the US Embassy. Thanks to the rapid response of the LAF, ISF and Embassy security teams, the Embassy premises and staff are safe. An investigation is ongoing and we are in close contact…
— US Embassy Beirut (@usembassybeirut) June 5, 2024
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told NBC News Today’s Show A local security guard was injured but an American official at the embassy said he was “safe and accounted for.”
“We are in real-time contact with our embassy in Beirut. All American personnel there are safe and have been accounted for. One local Lebanese security officer outside the compound was injured,” he said. “He is currently receiving treatment and we are working closely with local authorities to understand exactly what happened here and to ensure there is no continuing threat. We will do whatever is necessary to protect our people.”
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan Follow The shooting at the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon, the status of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, and President Biden’s new executive order on immigration at the southern border. pic.twitter.com/PoGcqXNqP8
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) June 5, 2024
The Lebanese army said a Syrian militant was wounded in a gunfight with the army and was taken to hospital for treatment. ReutersThe military was searching for more militants, the report said.
A senior Lebanese security official told Reuters the army was investigating possible links to the terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Online photos seen by Reuters showed a wounded gunman wearing a vest with “ISIS” written on it.
Update: US Embassy Attack, #Lebanon
• 8:34 a.m. local time, 1:34 a.m. Eastern time
• Three attackers and one Syrian militant shot dead
• Embassy security guard injured
• The attackers chanted ISIS slogans.
• The Lebanese army responded quickly and thwarted the attack. What you need to know: https://t.co/hl7pAjwMu7— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) June 5, 2024
An Al Jazeera correspondent quoted a Lebanese security source as telling the station that up to four assailants were involved, with one still at large. Al Jazeera said it was “the first attack of its kind in several years.”
Shooting incident near entrance to US Embassy – #Lebanon Beirut – no claim of responsibility yet pic.twitter.com/2qB3B5QWqd
— Zeinakhodr (@ZeinakhodrAljaz) June 5, 2024
“Since the Gaza war began in October, the region has seen violent protests, with people heading to embassies and venting their anger at the US government, whose support for Israel they believe is the cause of Palestinian suffering,” Al Jazeera reported.
A News Nation correspondent reported that the embassy compound was “fairly heavily secured” and said it was unclear how the attackers managed to reach the embassy entrance, as there were multiple checkpoints leading to the compound.
Gunman arrested after shootout outside the US Embassy in Lebanon.
AP Follow We’ll keep you up to date with all the latest news news pic.twitter.com/EEArt5vYFN— Associated Press | AP 360 (@AP_GMS) June 5, 2024
According to Reuters, the US ambassador to Lebanon, Lisa Johnson, is currently outside the country and the embassy was closed but is due to reopen on Thursday.
The Republican National Committee posted that the attack showed Biden’s “weakness overseas.”
“Biden’s overseas weakness: U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, shots fired,” the Republican National Committee posted on X.
Biden’s overseas weakness: U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, shots fired pic.twitter.com/vhxxsGIi4P
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) June 5, 2024
Reuters reported that “large numbers of protesters” have been gathering and demonstrating outside the embassy since mid-October.
On October 7, 2023, the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas attacked Israel, killing more than 1,200 people, including innocent civilians, including women, children, and the elderly.
Warning for graphic content — Video: The house where Hamas murdered an Israeli family in Kibbutz Be’eri
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