U.S. condemns shelling of Russian embassy in Damascus

The Obama administration on Thursday denounced the shelling of the Russian embassy in the Syrian capital of Damascus, calling for all perpetrators to be held accountable.

 "The United States condemns the shelling today that hit the Russian Embassy compound in Damascus and expresses its concern for those killed and injured in the incident," State Department spokeswoman Jennifer Psaki said in a statement.


 "We condemn any attack against individuals or facilities protected by international law," she added.


 Three civilians were injured early Thursday when three mortars struck the vicinity of the embassy, while another landed inside the embassy's yard but caused no causalities, the pan-Arab al- Mayadeen TV reported.


 A statement released by the Russian Foreign Ministry said Russian citizens were not injured, but one Syrian died and nine others were injured, including Syrian security guards working for the embassy.


 "The United States continues to emphasize that those responsible for atrocities on all sides must be held accountable," Psaki said.