Syrian embassy in Canberra attacked

CANBERRA - The Syrian embassy in the Australian capital of Canberra was attacked at about 9:30 pm local time on Saturday. Three staff members were in the embassy during the attack, but no one was harmed.

Australia Capital Territory (ACT) Police received an emergency call about 9:35 pm Saturday. A number of men forced their way into the Syrian embassy compound in  Canberra suburb of O'Malley. The embassy's front doors were damaged and three front windows were smashed. Attackers have not been identified, said a police report.

An investigation was underway. "It's very difficult to ascertain how many people (were involved). We don't have a number at this stage," a ACT police spokesman said.

None of the staff members was assaulted, he added.

The Australian Federal Police has tightened security around the embassy area.

The incident occurred following similar attacks on Syrian embassies in Europe and the Middle East.