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Syria 'foils' US embassy attack Syria 'foils' US embassy attack
(10 minutes later)
An attack on the US embassy in Damascus has been foiled by local security forces, Syrian officials say.An attack on the US embassy in Damascus has been foiled by local security forces, Syrian officials say.
At least three assailants tried to drive a car at the embassy compound but were killed by guards, officials and eyewitnesses said.At least three assailants tried to drive a car at the embassy compound but were killed by guards, officials and eyewitnesses said.
Syrian TV said the attackers tried to detonate a car bomb, but failed. There are no reports of American casualties.Syrian TV said the attackers tried to detonate a car bomb, but failed. There are no reports of American casualties.
Security forces have sealed off the Rawda area, which houses other embassies and security installations.Security forces have sealed off the Rawda area, which houses other embassies and security installations.
Damascus has seen sporadic unrest in recent years, including a suspected attempt to bomb the Canadian embassy.Damascus has seen sporadic unrest in recent years, including a suspected attempt to bomb the Canadian embassy.
"A terrorist operation targeted the US embassy. Security forces have brought the situation under control," said Interior Minister General Bassam Abdel Majid on state television."A terrorist operation targeted the US embassy. Security forces have brought the situation under control," said Interior Minister General Bassam Abdel Majid on state television.
Witnesses said after the initial exchange of fire two of the attackers sought refuge in a nearby building, but were pursued and gunned down by security forces.Witnesses said after the initial exchange of fire two of the attackers sought refuge in a nearby building, but were pursued and gunned down by security forces.
href="/1/hi/in_pictures/5337866.stm" class="">In pictures: Embassy clash TV footage from the scene showed pools of blood on the pavement and what appeared to be improvised explosive devices using pipes and gas canisters. TV footage from the scene showed pools of blood on the pavement and what appeared to be improvised explosive devices using pipes and gas canisters.
A Chinese diplomat was treated in hospital for minor injuries caused by a stray bullet, the official Chinese news agency Xinhua reported. href="/1/hi/in_pictures/5337866.stm" class="">In pictures: Embassy clash A Chinese diplomat was treated in hospital for minor injuries caused by a stray bullet, the official Chinese news agency Xinhua reported.
He had been standing on the roof of the Chinese embassy, which is situated close to the US compound.He had been standing on the roof of the Chinese embassy, which is situated close to the US compound.
Heightened tensionHeightened tension
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 BBC correspondent in the region says the reported attack comes at a time of heightened tensions between the Washington and Damascus, with bitterness in Syria over US support for Israeli military action in Lebanon.A BBC correspondent in the region says the reported attack comes at a time of heightened tensions between the Washington and Damascus, with bitterness in Syria over US support for Israeli military action in Lebanon.
The US accuses Syria of supporting the insurgency in Iraq and not doing enough to prevent weapons going to Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.The US accuses Syria of supporting the insurgency in Iraq and not doing enough to prevent weapons going to Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.
In June, four people died when Syrian security forces said they had foiled an attack by Islamist militants near the state-run television studios.In June, four people died when Syrian security forces said they had foiled an attack by Islamist militants near the state-run television studios.
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.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 Islamist militants of trying to blow up an explosives-laden car near the Canadian embassy.The authorities accused Islamist militants of trying to blow up an explosives-laden car near the Canadian embassy.

Are you in Damascus? Have you witnessed anything? If so, send us your story.

Are you in Damascus? Have you witnessed anything? If so, send us your story.
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