Lebanon woke up on Wednesday to a shooting attack targeting the U.S. Embassy in Awkar, north of Beirut.
The Lebanese Army reported that a gunman fired at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, and the attacker was injured in an exchange of fire with the military.
The U.S. Embassy noted that there was “light arms fire” near its entrance around 8:34 a.m. local time, adding that its facilities and staff are safe.
Former MP Fares Said told Sky News Arabia, “The timing is significant, especially as it comes after President Joe Biden’s initiative to cease fire in Gaza,” suggesting, “it appears as if someone is rejecting this initiative.”
Said revealed that “Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun is about to visit the United States.”
He explained, “This attack occurred just hours before Aoun’s visit and the U.S. discussions on the Gaza ceasefire at the UN Security Council,” questioning if there is a connection between these events.
He added, “There are those dissatisfied with continuing this initiative at this critical moment aimed at arranging a ceasefire in Gaza.”
Political analyst Beshara Khairallah told Sky News Arabia, “The attack on the U.S. Embassy in Awkar has several negative connotations and will undoubtedly capture attention due to its significance.”
Khairallah added, “Initial information indicates that the attacker, who was injured and apprehended, is a Syrian national affiliated with an extremist group.”
He continued, “Linking the embassy incident to the border tensions and Israeli threats is a possibility but not sufficient; other possibilities include ISIS involvement in the attack.”
He concluded, “The Lebanese Army is combing the area, and more information will emerge in the coming hours.”
