(5 Jun 2024)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Beirut – 5 June 2024
1. Various of security outside US embassy
STORYLINE:
Increased security was seen outside the U.S. Embassy near Beirut after the military said that Lebanese soldiers captured a gunman who attempted to attack the embassy on Wednesday.
The attack took place as tensions continued to simmer in the tiny Mediterranean country, where months of fighting between Hezbollah militants and Israeli troops has displaced thousands along the border, following years of political deadlock and economic hardship.
The Lebanese military in a statement said that soldiers shot an assailant, who they only described as a Syrian national.
The gunman was wounded and taken to a hospital.
The shooter’s motives were not clear.
Lebanese media have 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.”
Local media reported that there was a gunfight for almost half an hour by the U.S. diplomatic mission in the suburb of Aukar, north of Beirut.
A Lebanese security official told The Associated Press that there were four assailants, including one who drove the gunmen to the site and three who opened fire.
One shooter was killed, one escaped, and the third was wounded and detained by the Lebanese military.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not cleared to speak to the press.
The U.S. Embassy said the morning attack by the embassy’s entrance did not cause any casualties among their staff, and that Lebanese troops and embassy security mobilized quickly.
A statement from Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s office said that he was informed following meetings with the defense minister and army commander that the situation was now stable and that serious investigations are underway.
The Lebanese military said it deployed troops around the embassy and surrounding areas.
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