The Syrian Interior Ministry says Syrian security forces have foiled an attempt to attack the U.S. Embassy in Damascus, and that Embassy personnel suffered no casualties.

Officials say security forces killed three attackers and wounded a fourth as they tried to detonate a car bomb outside the embassy early this (Tuesday) morning.

In Washington, the U.S. State Department says Syrian authorities brought the situation under control quickly.

Syria is decribing the assault on the embassy as a "terrorist operation," but officials have released no further information about who was involved.

Security forces cordoned off the diplomatic quarter in Damascus during the incident. Witnesses said black smoke rose into the sky and the sound of heavy gunfire and explosions echoed from the area around the embassy