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 from atop a nearby building, they said.

According to Egypt's official MENA news agency, a group of people had rented an apartment in one of the buildings near the U. S. embassy. Their identity is being investigated.

An explosion occurred in a vehicle parked outside the U.S. embassy in the Syrian capital.

MENA said the blown up vehicle, a Mitsubishi Lancer, was carrying four people wearing explosive belts. They were totally charred.

Fire shots have stopped and the exploded vehicle has been pulled away from the scene.

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

Ambulances are moving the injured who are believed to include a number of Syrian security men.

Source: Xinhua