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Blasts heard at US Syria embassy Blasts heard at US Syria embassy
(10 minutes later)
Explosions and heavy gunfire are being reported near the US embassy in the Syrian capital, Damascus.Explosions and heavy gunfire are being reported near the US embassy in the Syrian capital, Damascus.
Security forces have sealed off the Rawda area, which houses other embassies, security installations and senior officials' residences.Security forces have sealed off the Rawda area, which houses other embassies, security installations and senior officials' residences.
There has been no official confirmation of developments in Damascus, which has seen several blasts in recent years. There has been no official confirmation of developments in Damascus, which has seen sporadic unrest in recent years.
Syria is an authoritarian state where the security forces exert tight control on the population and the media.Syria is an authoritarian state where the security forces exert tight control on the population and the media.
A security source told the BBC it is believed Syrian forces may have foiled a bomb attack on the US embassy.A security source told the BBC it is believed Syrian forces may have foiled a bomb attack on the US embassy.
Ambulances and fire engines were seen rushing to the area through the mid-morning traffic.Ambulances and fire engines were seen rushing to the area through the mid-morning traffic.
In April 2004, four people were killed in a clash between Syrian police and a team of suspected bombers in the diplomatic quarter of Damascus.
The authorities accused Islamic militants of trying blow up an explosives-laden car near the Canadian embassy.