Updated: 08:54, Tuesday September 12, 2006
Security forces have surrounded the US and other foreign embassies in Damascus - gunfire and explosions have been reported in the nearby area.
One resident told the Associated Press news agency it appeared the embassy was "under attack" and black smoke is rising from the area.
The witness said there "there was gunfire, explosions and quite a commotion" in the area.
An embassy guard told AFP news agency the building was "under attack".
The area is home to a number of foreign embassies, including the US and Iraqi embassies.
More follows . .