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According to authorities in Lebanon, a man who fired at the US embassy in Beirut has been apprehended.

The gunman, who is reported to be of Syrian nationality, engaged in a shootout with security forces outside the US embassy in Beirut. The Lebanese Army stated on the social platform X that the man opened fire on the US embassy in the Awkar area. In response, army personnel returned fire, wounding the attacker before arresting him and transporting him to a hospital for treatment. Authorities confirmed that an investigation was underway to “determine the circumstances of the incident.”

Local media reported that the shootout lasted about half an hour and involved at least one attacker. Photographs published by Lebanese media depicted the alleged attacker wearing a black vest emblazoned with “Islamic State” in Arabic and the initials “IS.”

The US embassy in Beirut confirmed the incident on its website, reporting that “small arms fire was reported in the vicinity of the entrance to the US Embassy.” The embassy added, “Thanks to the quick reaction of host country security forces and our Embassy security team, our facility and our team are safe. Investigations are underway and we are in close contact with host country law enforcement.”

In the wake of the incident, the US embassy announced it would remain closed to the public for the rest of the day but planned to reopen for regular business the following day.

Authorities have not yet disclosed a clear motive for the attack