UAE condemns ‘riots’ as Syrians protest outside of its embassy in Damascus

The United Arab Emirates condemns what it describes as “riots, acts of vandalism, and assaults” outside its embassy and the residence of its head of mission in Damascus.

In a statement, the UAE’s foreign ministry calls on Syria to uphold its obligations to secure the embassy and its staff, investigate the incident and hold the perpetrators to account.

A Reuters reporter saw dozens of protesters gathering outside the UAE’s embassy in Damascus at midday yesterday, including some chanting “the Zionist embassy.”

???????????????????? | The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned protests in Damascus that targeted its embassy and the residence of its head of mission, where protesters lowered the UAE flag.

The ministry called on Syrian authorities to guarantee the protection of diplomatic… pic.twitter.com/4OOtthNyfa

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A Syrian security official tells Reuters that the incident occurred after some participants split off from a larger pro-Palestinian demonstration being held at the nearby Umayyad Square and tried to storm the embassy.

“Internal security forces prevented them from doing so and dealt with the situation,” the official says, speaking anonymously because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

Syria’s foreign ministry did not directly refer to the incident but said in a statement last night that it took a “firm and unwavering stance” against any attack on or attempt to approach embassies and diplomatic missions.

Demonstrations against Israel have taken place across Syria since the Knesset passed a law this week mandating the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of deadly terror attacks.

The UAE normalized relations with Israel in the 2020 Abraham Accords, though diplomatic relations have been strained in recent years.