Television footage shows an official preparing to remove a car outside the U.S. embassy in Damascus Spetember 12, 2006. (Photo: Xinhua/Reuters) Photo Gallery >>>

    DAMASCUS, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Embassy in Damascus was attacked by a group of militants on Tuesday morning, witnesses told Xinhua.

    Several militants launched the attack against the U.S. Embassy at about 10:05 a.m. (0705 GMT), using machine guns and rockets from atop a nearby building, they said.

    Casualties were caused by the attack, they added.

    The district, where many other foreign missions, vital security installations, and houses of the most senior Syrian government officials are located, has been sealed off by security guards. Enditem

Chinese diplomat injured in attack on U.S. embassy

   DAMASCUS, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese diplomat was slightly injured in a militant attack targeting the U.S. embassy in Damascus on Tuesday morning, Chinese embassy officials told Xinhua.

   The diplomat was injured by a stray bullet while standing atop the embassy building. He has been sent to hospital for treatment.

   The Chinese embassy is located close to the U.S. embassy, both of which lie in the Abu Remmeneh district. Enditem