A gunman attacked the U.S. embassy near Beirut, Lebanon, leading to a shootout with Lebanese soldiers that resulted in the capture of the attacker. The incident left an embassy security guard injured. Tensions were already high in the country due to conflict between Hezbollah militants and Israeli troops, as well as ongoing political and economic struggles. Reports indicated that there was a gunfight involving at least one attacker and lasting almost half an hour, with nearby residents hearing multiple rounds of gunfire.
While no clear motive was immediately evident, Lebanese media published photos of the attacker wearing a black vest with Islamic State markings. The Islamic State has not claimed responsibility for the attack. The gunman was identified as a resident of Majdal Anjar, a town near the Syrian border, although earlier reports had labeled him as a Syrian national. The Lebanese military conducted raids in Majdal Anjar and nearby areas, resulting in the arrest of three relatives of the suspect and two other individuals believed to be associated with him. No evidence of additional gunmen or extremist cells was found.
A U.S. Embassy spokesperson confirmed that one security guard was injured in the attack, with the guard reported to be in serious condition. While the attacker was observed wearing what appeared to be Islamic State apparel, officials have not determined the motive behind the shooting. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati was briefed on the situation by defense and military authorities, who assured him that investigations were ongoing and the area was secured. The Lebanese military deployed troops around the embassy and its surroundings to maintain stability.
The incident brought back memories of a deadly bombing at the U.S. Embassy in 1983, which killed 63 people. The attack was attributed to the militant group Hezbollah, prompting the embassy’s relocation to Aukar, a Christian suburb north of Beirut. Another bombing occurred at this new location in 1984. In 2023, a Lebanese man was detained for opening fire at the U.S. Embassy, with no casualties reported. Later that year, protests near the embassy in support of Gaza and Hamas led to clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The situation remains tense as investigations into the recent attack continue.
