WITNESSES ARE REPORTING that Syrian pro-government protesters have attacked the US embassy compound in the capital Damascus, causing damage.

The witnesses said the protesters smashed windows and raised a Syrian flag on the compound on Monday. They also wrote anti-US graffiti referring to the US ambassador as a “dog,” the witnesses said.

The protests were over visits by the U.S. and French ambassadors last week to the opposition stronghold of Hama in central Syria.

Earlier it was reported that security guards at the French Embassy had fired into the air to drive back protesters taking part in two-pronged demonstrations outside the French and American embassies in Damascus.

The protests today come days after the US and French ambassadors visited the opposition stronghold of Hama in central Syria. The witness says crowds were not allowed to get near the US Embassy.

The witness, Hiam al-Hassan, says about 300 people had gathered outside the French Embassy. Hundreds others were at the American diplomatic compound.

The protests coincide with government-organiSed talks in Damascus on possible political reforms after four months of unrest against the regime of President Bashar Assad.

- AP