Note: The following news brief is a quote:
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http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3302802,00.html
Report: Shooting heard in Damascus, smoke seen over US embassy
Published: 09.12.06, 10:30
Witnesses in Damascus reported hearing loud gunfire from the center of the Syrian capital.
According to the reports, heavy smoke was seen above the United Stated Embassy. (Reuters)
OFF TOPIC - RE JORDAN AND ISRAEL
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1694213/posts?page=699#699
10:25 Witnesses: Syrian forces surround U.S. embassy in Damascus, seal off area (Reuters)
If this is terrorism, I'd guess Syrian forces would likely (albeat begrudgingly) be fighting terrorists, rather than blatantlyh being the terrorists.
Black smoke is most often from petrochemicals, 'twould seem.