Shots fired near US Embassy in Beirut, injuring Lebanese guard, White House adviser says
Written by ABC Audio ALL RIGHTS RESERVED on June 5, 2024
(LONDON) — Gunfire was heard Wednesday morning near the entrance to the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, officials said, adding that “our team are safe.”
“All American personnel in Lebanon are safe and accounted for,” Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser, said on ABC News’ Good Morning America on Wednesday. “One of our Lebanese local guard staff was wounded. He is receiving care.”
Shots from “small arms” were heard at about 8:34 a.m. local time, the embassy said.
The person who allegedly opened fire was wounded and was taken to a hospital for treatment, the Lebanese Army said in Arabic on its official social media account. The person is a Syrian national, the army said.
“Investigations are underway and we are in close contact with host country law enforcement,” embassy officials said on social media.
The embassy was to remained closed to the public on Wednesday, but was expected to reopen on Thursday, U.S. officials said in a security alert.
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