The Hindu : Front Page : Attack on U.S. Embassy in Damascus foiled

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Wednesday, Sep 13, 2006
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Attack on U.S. Embassy in Damascus foiled

Atul Aneja

Attempt to drive in car bombs fail, three attackers killed

DUBAI: A terror attack on the United States embassy in Damascus was foiled and three of the assailants were killed and one captured. A security man was also killed.

Syrian officials said the attackers attempted to drive two explosives-laden cars into the embassy compound. Only one of them exploded.

A Chinese diplomat suffered minor injures caused by a stray bullet. He was standing on the roof of the nearby Chinese Embassy building.

Syrian Interior Minister Bassam Abdel Majid said, "Three terrorists were killed and one was wounded and captured. The attackers were armed with bombs and automatic weapons. Interrogation of the captured assailant may reveal where they came from or their background."

Grenades hurled

Eyewitnesses said the attackers rushed towards the compound, shouting religious slogans. Grenades were hurled at the embassy walls, which are around eight feet high. After the initial attack, two assailants tried to hide in a neighbouring building but security forces gunned them down.

Syrian state news agency reported that 14 persons, including two security personnel and a local employee of the embassy, were injured.

Television pictures showed pools of blood and gas canisters strewn around. One burnt car was also seen.

Authorities sealed the Rawda area, which is also home to many embassies.

The successful foiling of the attack could have political significance, as ties between Damascus and Washington have been under strain since the war between Syria-backed Hizbollah and Israel.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Washington "very much" appreciated the Syrian effort to secure the embassy.

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