US embassy in Lebanon’s Awkar attacked, army arrests assailant

An assailant opened fire toward the US embassy in Awkar on Wednesday, the Lebanese army said in a statement.

The army fired back and injured the attacker who was transferred to hospital for treatment.

It added that the assailant is a Syrian national.

Local media reports published photos of the alleged assailant drenched in his blood and wearing a vest bearing the words “Islamic State” suggesting he may be affiliated with ISIS.

The US embassy said the incident occurred at 8:34 a.m. local time, adding that the facility and staff are safe.

“Small arms fire was reported in the vicinity of the entrance to the US Embassy,” it said on X, adding that an investigation is underway and it’s following up with the relevant authorities.

The army said in a separate statement that Lebanese army units have been deployed around the US Embassy and were conducting an inspection of the surrounding area and working to implement the necessary security measures to maintain the security of the area.

Meanwhile, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati followed up on the developments with Defense Minister Maurice Slim and held a series of phone calls with army commander Joseph Aoun and heads of security services.

Mikati was informed that “the situation is stable and that intensive investigations have begun to clarify the circumstances behind the incident and the arrest of all of those involved.”

The premier, according to a statement on X, checked on the embassy staff since US envoy to Lebanon, Lisa A. Johnson, is outside the country.

The US embassy in Awkar was attacked in September when a gunman opened fire at the building.

It was said at the time that the shooter was a delivery driver who was seeking revenge for being humiliated by security personnel while delivering food.