Russian Embassy in Damascus Shelled by Rebels

Three diplomats were injured when a mortar shell hit the Russian embassy compound in Damascus on Sunday. According to Xinhua, the shell was fired by rebels in the volatile district of Brazeh.

Fighting has been raging in Brazeh on for days, between the rebels and the Syrian government army.

"Three members of the embassy's staff received wounds that aren't life threatening," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement released in Moscow.

An investigation is underway and additional steps are being taken with the help of the Syrian side to tighten security of the Russian diplomatic mission, the release noted.

The Russian embassy in Damascus has been targeted several times by the opposition forces.

One hour before the attack, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in Moscow that his country was ready to send military observers to safeguard the experts and process of the destruction of Syria's chemical weapon stockpiles, Xinhua reported.