Syrian Protesters Attack US Embassy

Syrian government supporters smashed windows at the US Embassy in Damascus, raised a Syrian flag in place of a French one at that country's embassy, and scrawled graffiti calling American ambassador Robert Ford a "dog" today in anger over the envoy's visit last week to an opposition stronghold, witnesses said. French Embassy security guards in the capital fired in the air to hold back supporters of President Bashar Assad's regime.

At the US Embassy, a mob breached the wall of the compound before being dispersed by Marine guards. One witness said three protesters were injured when guards beat them with clubs, but no buildings were entered and there were no injuries to embassy personnel. However, the attackers reportedly damaged the chancery building, and the Obama administration may seek compensation for the damage. "God, Syria, and Bashar. The nation that gave birth to Bashar Assad will not kneel," read graffiti written outside the embassy. (More Syria stories.)