US embassy in Syria closed amid protests

Source: Presstv, 30-10-2008
The US embassy in Syria has been temporarily closed for the fear of a demonstration in Damascus to protest a deadly US attack on Syria.
The embassy said on its website that it will be closed on Thursday because of the threat of a reported demonstration over the deadly American helicopter raid on a Syrian village near the Iraqi border.
It said a demonstration was reportedly planned for Thursday in downtown Damascus and "therefore, American citizens should avoid these vicinities as well as the vicinity of the US embassy in Damascus."
Hundreds of Syrian riot police ringed the closed US Embassy in Damascus ahead of what is expected to be a mass demonstration in the Syrian capital.
The troops, wearing helmets and armed with batons and shields, took up positions around the embassy and the adjacent US residence building.
Eight civilians, including four children, were killed in the Sunday US strike on a Syrian village near the Iraqi border.
Following the incident, Syria summoned US and Iraqi envoys to protest the attack and the Syrian cabinet On Tuesday decided to close a Damascus-based American school and a US culture center in response to the attack.
The US State Department and White House refused to comment on the attack, making no confirmation or denial to the incident.