Demonstrations near the U.S. Embassy Sunday erupted into violent clashes, as protesters took to the streets denounce U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to recognize occupied Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
Security forces suppressed the demonstrations with tear gas and water cannons, with some cases of suffocation being reported.
Protesters, who gathered in Metn’s Awkar about a kilometer away from the embassy, threw rocks and lit dumpsters and rubber tires on fire, as they tried to get closer to the heavily guarded compound.
Ahead of the anticipated protest, security forces made preparations in Awkar Sunday morning, cutting off all roads leading to the embassy.
The Army, Internal Security Forces and the riot police imposed tight security measures in areas surrounding the embassy before the demonstration, which was scheduled in the wake of Trump’s announcement Wednesday to recognize Jerusalem as the Israeli capital and move the U.S. Embassy there from Tel Aviv.
Local media reported that security forces installed barbed wire at the Dabia-Ukar junction, a kilometer from the embassy.
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This article has been adapted from its original source.
