In a startling incident Wednesday Morning, gunfire broke out near the entrance of the US embassy in Beirut, as reported by the Lebanese security officials.
The US embassy released a statement explaining what happened and also took to Twitter to inform the public about the incident.
According to a statement from the embassy, the situation was swiftly contained due to the prompt actions of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), Internal Security Forces (ISF), and the embassy’s own security team.
“Our facility and team are safe,” the statement reassured, highlighting the effectiveness of the coordinated response.
In response to the incident, roads leading to the embassy from Dbayeh and Awkar were closed, with security personnel conducting vehicle checks and military vehicles patrolling the area.
Details surrounding the incident remain under investigation, with US officials in close communication with their Lebanese counterparts. A private guard stationed at the embassy sustained minor injuries, as confirmed by a Lebanese security source.
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the number of assailants involved. While one security official mentioned the presence of three gunmen, this detail has not been officially verified.
A video circulating on social media captures the chaotic scene, showing a man clad in a military-style black vest and helmet, armed with an assault rifle, as gunshots ring out in the background.
Lebanese authorities have identified the gunman as a Syrian national who was injured during the shootout and subsequently transported to a hospital.
In a related operation, security forces arrested another suspect in the Bekaa Valley, identified as the brother of the initial shooter, according to the Lebanese army the army members have responded to the sources of fire, wounding the shooter who was arrested and transferred to a hospital for treatment.
The US embassy remained closed to the public for the remainder of Wednesday but resumed regular operations today, on Thursday, June 6.
