Washington: The United States on Monday condemned Syria for "refusing" to protect the US embassy in Damascus from a violent attack it said had been encouraged by a pro-government television station.
The State Department said mobs assaulted both the US embassy compound and the US ambassador's residence, but that no staff were injured or ever in any imminent danger.
"A television station that is heavily influenced by Syrian authorities encouraged this violent demonstration," a State Department spokesperson said in a statement.
"We strongly condemn the Syrian government's refusal to protect our embassy, and demand compensation for damages. We call on the Syrian government to fulfill its obligations to its own citizens as well," the statement said.
Crowds loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad attacked the US and French embassies in Damascus on Monday, diplomats said, three days after the French and US ambassadors visited the city of Hama in a show of support for pro-democracy protests.
Syrian forces killed at least one civilian and injured 20 in another city, Homs, on Monday during the heaviest raids on the city since troops deployed there two months ago to crush dissent against Assad, residents said.
The State Department said the embassy complex "sustained some physical damage" in the attack, which underscored a marked increase in tensions between Washington and Damascus.
"The Syrian authorities were slow to respond with the extra security measures that were needed," the State Department said, adding that the Syrian government had failed in its international obligation to protect diplomatic facilities.
"On this, as in other areas such as protection of human rights, the Syrian government failed," the department said. "The Syrian government has assured us that it will provide the protection required under the Vienna Convention, and we expect it to do so."
A US official said Syria's charge d'affaires in Washington would be called in to hear a formal complaint.
The Obama administration has steadily toughened its rhetoric on Assad as Syrian security forces crack down on pro-democracy protests. But it has not declared that he has lost his legitimacy to rule as it did following protests against longtime leaders in Egypt and Libya.
The United States has imposed targeted sanctions on Assad and members of his inner circle, and has said it is working with its allies to build international consensus for further steps to put pressure on his government.
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