Amid the incident of gunfire at the U.S. Embassy in Awkar yesterday, rumors circulated regarding the suicide of an Internal Security Forces member in the barracks adjacent to the Saudi Embassy in Lebanon. Today, security sources reported that "the talk of a security member's suicide within the Saudi Embassy is incorrect, and what occurred was a 'failed' assassination attempt on the Saudi ambassador, Walid bin Abdullah al-Bukhari."
The sources indicated that "the incident, initially described as the suicide of an assistant chief of security at the Saudi Embassy in Lebanon, was indeed an assassination attempt against Ambassador Walid al-Bukhari, which compelled the ambassador's guards to kill the assailant."
An Internal Security Forces member had reportedly committed suicide in the barracks next to the Saudi Embassy. The Internal Security Forces issued a statement today through the General Directorate of Internal Security Forces—Public Relations Division, stating: "Social media circulated news yesterday about the suicide of a member of the Internal Security Forces at his service location near the Saudi Embassy."
As a result of the investigation and after reviewing surveillance footage, it was found that at 07:00 on 05/06/2024, an assistant (W.A.) of the rank in the Saudi Embassy’s security detail arrived at his service location while he was on a 24-hour routine break. Upon arrival, he entered the dormitory room located outside the embassy grounds and shot himself in the head with his service firearm, resulting in immediate death.
The investigation is ongoing under judicial supervision to determine the reasons for the suicide. The Internal Security Forces extend their heartfelt condolences to the deceased's family and colleagues.
Clarification regarding the suicide of a member of the Saudi Embassy security detail in Beirut. #Internal_Security
The security sources also noted that "the attempt was thwarted concurrently with the attack on the U.S. Embassy, and the perpetrators were affiliated with ISIS from the Majdal Anjar region."
Previously, gunfire had been directed at the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy in Awkar by armed individuals, before embassy security and the Lebanese Army intervened and returned fire toward the attackers.
At 8:34 a.m. local time, small arms fire was reported near the entrance to the U.S. Embassy. Thanks to the quick reaction of the LAF, ISF, and our Embassy security team, our facility and our team are safe. Investigations are underway, and we are in close contact… — U.S. Embassy Beirut.
