Beirut [Lebanon], June 6: CNN reported that the shooting occurred near the entrance of the US embassy in the Awkar area, northeast of the Lebanese capital Beirut in the early morning of June 5. The Lebanese army said the gunman was shot and captured after trying to attack the US embassy. US Ambassador Lisa Johnson is currently working outside Lebanon, according to Reuters.
The subject, a Syrian, was injured and taken to the hospital for treatment. The Lebanese army announced that it had arrested five suspects in connection with the shooting during raids on several houses in eastern Lebanon , near the Syrian border. These five people include a Lebanese, a Syrian and three relatives of the gunman.
The Lebanese army announced it was investigating the shooting. The gunman is believed to have been wearing an IS insignia , according to US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller. The motive for the attack is currently unknown. The US Embassy was closed after the incident but is expected to reopen on June 6.
Mr. Miller said a member of the local security team at the embassy was seriously injured. All American citizens and remaining local employees remain safe.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati was informed about the incident. The local military deployed soldiers around the embassy and surrounding areas.
What did the FBI director say about the risk of terrorist attacks in the US?
The attack occurred a day after Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray told US Senate lawmakers that there was a growing risk of a similar coordinated attack in the US. IS attack in March at Crocus City theater in Moscow (Russia), according to Fox News.
Since October 7, 2023, the day Hamas attacked Israel, the FBI has detected a series of calls from foreign terrorist organizations to attack the US and its allies. "In light of those calls for action, our most urgent concern is that individuals or small groups will be inspired by events in the Middle East to attack in our country," Mr. Wray speak.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper