Attackers killed after Damascus car blast outside US Embassy

Syrian security forces killed three attackers, the government said, after gunmen apparently blew up a car outside the US Embassy and exchanged fire with Syrian guards today.

The Interior Ministry, which is in charge of police, said a fourth attacker was wounded in the incident, which it called a “terrorist attack”.

The report, carried on state-run television, said an investigation was underway.

In Washington, a US State Department spokesman confirmed the attack on the American embassy by “unknown assailants” and said the event appeared to be over.

“Local authorities have responded and are on the scene,” said spokesman Kurtis Cooper said.

A Syrian who works at the US Embassy said there were no American causalities.