UPDATE – Lebanese army says gunman opened fire at US Embassy in Beirut

UPDATES WITH DETAILS

By Ahmed Asmar

ANKARA (AA) – The Lebanese army on Wednesday said a gunman opened fire at the US Embassy in Beirut.

In a brief statement, the army said it fired back on the attacker leading to his injury and arrest by the Lebanese forces.

It also said the suspect was a Syrian national who was transferred to hospital, adding that the incident was under investigation.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Beirut confirmed the incident, stressing that the embassy's facility and team are safe.

"Investigations are underway and we are in close contact with host country law enforcement," the embassy added.

According to Lebanese media, an embassy guard was injured in the attack, while one attacker was killed and another injured and arrested. A manhunt was launched for a third suspect.

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said an investigation has been launched to uncover the circumstances of the shooting incident and arrest all those involved.

Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, for his part, condemned the shootout outside the US Embassy in Beirut.

In a statement, he reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to protecting the headquarters of diplomatic missions in Beirut.