World

Report: Pro-Gov’t Protesters Assault US Embassy in Damascus

(The Blaze/AP)– Witnesses say Syrian pro-government protesters have attacked the U.S. embassy compound in Damascus, causing damage.Report: Pro Govt Protesters Assault US Embassy in Damascus

The witnesses said the protesters smashed windows and raised a Syrian flag on the compound on Monday. They also wrote anti-US graffiti referring to the U.S. ambassador as a “dog,” the witnesses said.

The protests were over visits by the U.S. and French ambassadors last week to the opposition stronghold of Hama in central Syria.

The Associated Press and Reuters are reporting that French guards have fired rounds to stop the assault rioters supportive of the Assad regime. What apparently started as a demonstration against the recent visit of US Ambassador Robert Ford’s to the besieged city of Hama has become turned into a violent exchange and created a highly combustible situation in Damascus, the Syrian capital.

The State Department could not immediately confirm the incident

Facebook seems to be ahead of the official government response system, though, as the Ambassador has posted a note discussing the activity of the mob outside the Embassy, and his analysis of the protests and violent repressions across the country:

A Note from Ambassador Robert Ford

“Outside the Embassy demonstrators complained about U.S. policy towards the Syrian government and my trip to Hama.

As I have said before, we respect the right of all Syrians – and people in all countries – to express their opinions freely and in a climate of mutual respect. We wish the Syrian government would do the same – and stop beating and shooting peaceful demonstrators. I have not seen the police assault a “mnhebak” demonstration yet. I am glad – I want all Syrians to enjoy the right to demonstrate peacefully. On July 9 a “mnhebak” group threw rocks at our embassy, causing some damage. They resorted to violence, unlike the people in Hama, who have stayed peaceful. Go look at the Ba’ath or police headquarters in Hama – no damage that I saw.

Other protesters threw eggs and tomatoes at our embassy. If they cared about their fellow Syrians the protesters would stop throwing this food at us and donate it to those Syrians who don’t have enough to eat. And how ironic that the Syrian Government lets an anti-U.S. demonstration proceed freely while their security thugs beat down olive branch-carrying peaceful protesters elsewhere.”

The Ambassador continues on, in a frank, direct way that is both critical of the regime’s response to the unrest, and supportive of peaceful opposition efforts elsewhere in Syria.

UPDATE: The Associated Press has updated this story:

“The Obama administration will formally protest Monday’s attack on the American embassy in Syria and may seek compensation for damage caused when a mob breached the wall of the compound before being dispersed by U.S. Marine guard.

A U.S. official said the State Department would summon a senior Syrian diplomat to condemn the assault on the embassy and demand that Syria uphold international treaty obligations to protect foreign diplomatic missions. The official said Syrian security forces who are supposed to guard the mission were slow to respond to the attack by supporters of President Bashar Assad, which was allegedly incited by government affiliated media.

Because the Marine guard contingent at the embassy reacted quickly, the attackers were not able to break into any buildings on the compound and there were no injuries reported to embassy personnel, who are all accounted for, the official said. But the official said the attackers did damage the chancery building. The damage is still being assessed, the official said.”

Video shows Syrian protesters smashing windows at the U.S. Embassy in Damascus, raising a Syrian flag and scrawling graffiti calling the American ambassador a “dog.”

Comments (25)

  • RomanCatholic99
    Posted on July 12, 2011 at 11:56pm

    I dont understand the emmbayss are defended by Marines why didnt they staop them.

    Report Post »  
  • dontbotherme
    Posted on July 11, 2011 at 10:06pm

    History is repeating itself. I‘m sure Obama’s harsh words will make the protestors real sorry that they attacked our Embassy.

    Report Post »  
  • GABOB
    Posted on July 11, 2011 at 6:07pm

    Did we not change our standing in the world when we elected BO? This was not part of the script. So much for change.

    Report Post »  
  • Sound The Trumpet In Zion
    Posted on July 11, 2011 at 4:28pm

    Well, it looks like obama has got some new best friends. As the saying goes, anyone that is against America is his new best friend! Of course, he doesn’t admit that saying openly but we all know that the saying is there.

    Report Post » Sound The Trumpet In Zion  
  • quinteastwood
    Posted on July 11, 2011 at 2:44pm

    Measures which will effect the lives of millions,born and unborn,are now before us.We must expect a great expense of blood to attain them.But we must always remember that a free CONSTITUTION,of civil government can not be purchased at too dear a rate as there is nothing on this side of Jerusalem of greater importance to mankind.
    Some people have given AMERICA a grim outlook for the future,but where they see apocalypse,I see hope.
    I see a new nation,ready to take it’s place in the world,not an empire,but a REPUBLIC.A republic of laws,not men.
    We are in the very midst of Revolution,the most complete and unexpected and remarkable of any in the history of the world.
    How few of the human race have ever,had an opportunity of choosing a system of government,for themselves,and their children.I am not without apprehensions ,gentlemen,but the end we have in site is more than worth all the means.I believe citizens that the time has come.
    My judgement approves that this measure and my whole heart is in it.All that I have,all that I am,and all that I hope in this life,I am now ready to stake upon it.
    While I live,let me have a Country.A FREE COUNTRY.
    Join “The March For Freedom” j e r r y b 5 3 5 3 at y a h o o dot c o m

    10 and counting..on social media 10 becomes 1000,1000 becomes 10,000 WE CAN do this PATRIOTS

    Report Post » quinteastwood  
  • NOBALONEY
    Posted on July 11, 2011 at 1:48pm

    Syrian government also paid those who rushed the Israeli border.

    Report Post » NOBALONEY  
  • moreteaplease
    Posted on July 11, 2011 at 1:39pm

    I don‘t understand why we don’t just pack up and get out of the middle east all together.
    When are all of these wonderfully brilliant politicians going to wise up to the fact that you cannot carry on diplomatic relationships with countries that hate you and pray for your destruction?

    Report Post » moreteaplease  
  • geonj
    Posted on July 11, 2011 at 1:27pm

    i hope those marines are not bound by some foolish rules of engagement. it is a dangerous place. a few dead syrians at the hands of the US marines might improve our status in the middle east.

    Report Post » geonj  
  • bringbackSAC
    Posted on July 11, 2011 at 12:57pm

    I hope the MARINES gave lead poisoning to those that dared to attack. We should leave a “big carbon foot print on their a$$e$. Do not forget about the WART HOGS or PUFF THE MAGIC DRAGONS. Show these people what happens when you bring a knife to a gun fight.

    Report Post » bringbackSAC  
  • SilentReader
    Posted on July 11, 2011 at 12:09pm

    We should pull our people out of Syria and the whole Middle East. Why are we aiding and abetting these horrific Islamic dictatorships?

    Why are we in Libya using the Soros financed “Responsibility to Protect” doctrine, written by Cass Sunstein the Regulator’s wife, Samantha Power, and yet we have absolutely no concern about the horrific carnage that is continually going on in Syria and Iran? Why are we cherry picking on who we “protect” and who we don’t?

    Obama is conducting his illegal wars, without ever having consulted the Congress, and there’s complete silence in the Pravda MSM, whereas they would have blown their top if it was Bush doing it. Obama and his cohorts-in-deceit have made Congress irrelevant.

    What the heck is going on? Even an imbecile could conduct our foreign policy better than the way these imcompetents have conducted it. There is absolute chaos in the Middle East and the Muslim Brotherhood, whose leader Yusuf al-Qaradawi would do anything to kill a Jew from his wheelchair, is taking over in Egypt. Assad in Syria is killing his own people. Iran has been killing it’s own people for years now, since the Mullahs took over.

    Obama is America’s shame. He’s a complete failure domestically and internationally. There is more chaos in the world now under his lame administration than at any time I can recall.

    The unemployment now is 9.2%! And the world is on fire!

    When will the Pravda MSM in America do the job they are suppose

    Report Post » SilentReader  
  • ares338
    Posted on July 11, 2011 at 11:26am

    Blah..blah and what else is new? Stop giving money to Arabs who hate us. WAIT….we want their OIL. Awwwwww…all is forgiven.

    Report Post » ares338  
  • momprayn
    Posted on July 11, 2011 at 10:42am

    It’s my understanding that it is prophesied in the Old Testament that Damascus would be destroyed in the end times. I’ve been waiting and watching………….

    Report Post »  
    • vennoye
      Posted on July 11, 2011 at 11:02am

      You are right, it will be…………just not time yet!

      Isaiah 17:1 ¶ The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.

      Report Post » vennoye  
    • saviorammo
      Posted on July 11, 2011 at 11:08am

      Does it really matter anymore. My boys were in firefights in Bablyon. They were told to be carefull of historic sites. In a freak’n firefight. Yah, sure, roger that.

      If there are any Commanderes with stones left, round up our boys, except for the heavies, tell our CINC to go be with his butt buddy, Eric, and come home.

      What could or would the coward do? We the People have their six over here. We have a 50 or 60 million man infantry in the U.S.. That’s why they will go bio-weapon on us, another conversation.

      Anyway, the heavies, with contractors and major air support can settle the dust in muffinhead land, no problem. I know this for a fact. We can target and remove any leader or area. Time for the big boys ot make a stand.

      Oh, yea, to pay for the op,seize all assets of GE, foreign and domestic and staple Geoffry Immelt to a tree in his friendly land of Iran!

      How’s that grab ya?

      Report Post »  
  • Live 2276
    Posted on July 11, 2011 at 10:41am

    Yes, lets meddle in another middle eastern country’s affairs, AND in the process enflame the Syrian government to commit MORE atrocities…and even perhaps openly confront the U.S. Maybe then we can then establish another “no fly zone” over Syria and continue to spread our military thinner and thinner. I know the State Dept is running an agenda…but this is starting to get rediculous.

    Report Post » Live 2276  
  • mohavegreen
    Posted on July 11, 2011 at 10:34am

    Put out a basket and make a salad.

    Report Post » mohavegreen  
  • boca_chica
    Posted on July 11, 2011 at 10:30am

    Sounds like a Syrian government paid demonstration…move along…nothing to see here.

    Report Post »  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on July 11, 2011 at 10:24am

    .
    That’s when a U.S. Marine should have fired up a Ma Duce in response…..

    At some point it’s gonna happen…………

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on July 11, 2011 at 10:23am

    Why exactly do we have an embassy there anyway? Target practice?

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • drattastic
      Posted on July 11, 2011 at 10:35am

      “Witnesses say Syrian pro-government protesters have attacked the U.S. embassy compound in Damascus, causing damage.”

      Tomorrow anti-government protesters will attack the US embassy compound in Damascus.

      Report Post » drattastic  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on July 11, 2011 at 11:20am

      “The Obama administration will formally protest Monday’s attack on the American embassy in Syria and may seek compensation for damage caused when a mob breached the wall of the compound before being dispersed by U.S. Marine guard.”

      What are they going to do, lessen the billions in aid we give them, by a million?
      No more foreign aid for ANY country that attacks our embassy! And quit using our tax dollars to build mosques. Start building Christian churches. Where is the left, with their separation of church and state, when it comes to this issue?

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • Robert-CA
      Posted on July 11, 2011 at 12:20pm

      Bush shut it down in 2005 but Obama wanted to reach out to the # 1 country in the middle east that harbors & sponsors the most dangerous muslim extremists in the world .
      So how’s that working for you America ?

      Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on July 11, 2011 at 2:11pm

      Gonzo:

      Probably, or to use for the CIA and such in their operations in the area.
      http://artinphoenix.com/gallery/grimm

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • JRook
      Posted on July 11, 2011 at 3:06pm

      We don’t belong in any of the Arab countries, particularly not our military. Invest in the US and regain our economic status in the world. It is economic status which will, short of war, define the next super power. Which unless we do something quickly will be China.

      Report Post »  

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