Gunman Attacks US Embassy in Beirut, Injuring Guard Before Being Shot
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
BEIRUT (Worthy News) – A suspected Islamist extremist was shot and captured by Lebanese soldiers after a Wednesday shootout outside the U.S. Embassy near Beirut that injured an embassy security guard, witnesses and officials confirmed.
The attack on the embassy on Wednesday morning was carried out by a Syrian national, according to the Lebanese military.
Wednesday’s shooting came as tensions simmer in the tiny Mediterranean country, where months of clashes between Hezbollah fighters and Israeli troops displaced thousands along the border.
The Lebanese military said soldiers shot a gunman who was wounded and taken to a hospital. Footage seen by Worthy News showed Lebanese troops securing the area.
No motive was immediately apparent, but Lebanese media published photos that appear to show a bloodied attacker wearing a black vest with the words “Islamic State” written in Arabic and the English initials “I” and “S.”
The Islamic State group also referred to as ISIS, has claimed numerous attacks in the region.
Lebanese media reported that there was a gunfight involving at least one attacker and lasting almost half an hour near the U.S. embassy.
SHOOTING NEAR ENTRANCE
A Lebanese security source earlier said there were four assailants, including one who drove the gunmen to the site and three who opened fire. Some local media also reported multiple suspects.
However, later official statements mentioned only one shooter, and videos from the scene showed security forces engaging with only one person.
Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s office said he was “informed following meetings with the defense minister and army commander” that the situation was now “stable” and that “investigations were underway. “
The shootings came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — under pressure from cabinet members to go after Lebanon-based Hezbollah — visited the northern border area Wednesday.
He warned that his government was prepared to take “very strong action” against the Iran-backed group.
The embassy urged U.S. citizens in Lebanon to monitor the State Department website for alerts relevant to the country. It warned Americans against all travel to Lebanon’s border regions with both Israel and Syria.
“In all parts of Lebanon, you should avoid demonstrations and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings or protests,” the embassy said.
MORE ATTACKS
The violence comes after previous attacks against the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, including in 1983, when a deadly bombing attack on the embassy killed 63 people.
U.S. officials blamed the attack on the Lebanese group Hezbollah, which he designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
Following that attack, the embassy was moved from central Beirut to the Christian suburb of Aukar, north of the capital. Another bomb attack struck the new location on September 20, 1984.
In September 2023, Lebanese security forces detained a Lebanese man who opened fire on the U.S. Embassy. There were no casualties in that attack.
Yet a month later, in October 2023, hundreds of protesters clashed with Lebanese security forces during a rally near the U.S. Embassy in support of Gaza’s people and Hamas.
The anti-Israel demonstration came despite Hamas killing some 1,200 people in Israel on October 7.
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