Homeland Security

DATE=4/27/2004

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=SYRIA/CLASH (L-O)

NUMBER=2-315424

BYLINE=KERRY SHERIDAN

DATELINE=CAIRO

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Explosions erupted in the Syrian capital of Damascus, and a shootout between security forces and masked assailants late Tuesday has resulted in at least four deaths. Kerry Sheridan reports from V-O-A's Middle East Bureau in Cairo.

TEXT: Syrian television says attackers described as a terrorist group fired shots in diplomatic section of Damascus.

/// SYRIAN ACT - IN ARABIC - EST AND FADE UNDER ///

They say security forces have dealt with the situation and brought it under control.

According to the Syrian state news agency, the interior ministry says several armed men detonated a car bomb, and some tried to flee in a separate vehicle. Security forces exchanged fire with the assailants, who were reportedly armed with automatic rifles and grenades.

The interior ministry says at least two of the attackers were killed, along with a Syrian policeman and a civilian woman who was nearby.

The attack centered in the west side of Damascus and around a former U-N building. A U-N spokeswoman in New York said all U-N staff are safe.

The Canadian foreign ministry says the Canadian embassy sustained minor damage. Saudi Arabian and Iranian diplomatic offices and the British ambassador's residence are also located in the area where the fighting broke out. (Signed)

NEB/KS/PT