Lebanon to investigate shooting outside US Embassy that caused no injuries

Lebanese security agencies have launched an investigation into a late-night shooting outside the US Embassy that caused no injuries, officials said on Thursday.

No one claimed responsibility for the small arms fire on Wednesday night near the entrance to the heavily fortified compound in Beirut’s northeastern suburb of Awkar. The motive behind the attack reminds unclear. 

"There were no injuries, and our facility is safe," US Embassy spokesperson Jake Nelson said. "We are in close contact with host country law enforcement authorities."

The Lebanese army took measures near the embassy shortly after the shooting, and security agencies began an investigation including analysing security cameras in the area, a Lebanese official said on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Lebanese military police investigators marked at least five bullet holes in the wall next to the embassy entrance. Heavier-than-usual security measures were in effect, but the road leading to the embassy was not closed.

In recent years there have been no reported attacks on the embassy, although sporadic attacks on US-related entities have occurred sporadically.

Earlier this year marked the 40th anniversary of a deadly bombing attack on the US embassy in Beirut on 18 April. US officials blame the attack, which killed 63 people, on the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.