Local and regional media have reported that gunfire erupted outside of the US Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon.
Footage of the gunfire outside of the US Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon pic.twitter.com/1o7i0uETtn
— GHMV2 (@GHMV2Research) June 5, 2024
The US Embassy confirmed the reports, stating that “at 8:34AM local time, small arms fire was reported in the vicinity of the entrance to the U.S. Embassy.” They further added that, thanks to the quick response of security forces that embassy staff are safe. Their full statement may be read below.
At 8:34 a.m. local time, small arms fire was reported in the vicinity of the entrance to the U.S. Embassy. Thanks to the quick reaction of the LAF, ISF, and our Embassy security team, our facility and our team are safe. Investigations are underway and we are in close contact…
— U.S. Embassy Beirut (@usembassybeirut) June 5, 2024
The Lebanese military has stated that there was a single attacker, and that the gunman was injured in return fire, and taken to a hospital. Some reports claim there to have been multiple attackers, though the Lebanese military has only indicated one in their statements.
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— ????? ???????? (@LebarmyOfficial) June 5, 2024
Some reports also have claimed that one member of the embassy security team was injured in the attack, though this, too, remains unconfirmed at this time.
The exact identity of the gunman is unclear, though the Lebanese Army did confirm him to be of Syrian nationality.
The Lebanese Army has further stated that they have deployed to the surrounding area in order to establish proper security.
Updates to follow should they become available.
