Russian embassy in Damascus shelled during pro-government rally

DAMASCUS, Syria, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- The Russian embassy in Damascus, Syria was shelled on Tuesday while a pro-government rally was gathering nearby in support of Russia's military involvement in the conflict.

A few people were injured but none killed in what Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described as as "a terrorist attack."

"This is... most likely intended to intimidate supporters of the fight against terror and prevent them from prevailing in the struggle against extremists," Lavrov said. "Together with the Syrian authorities, we are now trying to establish those responsible."

The explosions at the embassy compound panicked the nearby crowd. The shells reportedly came from the eastern part of Damascus, the country's capital. Pro-government demonstrators were holding up photographs of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Russian President Vladimir Putin moments before the explosion.

Russia recently began conducting airstrikes to aid Assad, a long-time ally, against Islamic State targets, but Russian military aircraft have also targeted rebel forces who oppose Assad's rule, including some rebels who the United States considers moderates.

Putin on Monday said his country's airstrikes are designed to stabilize the political climate in Syria -- and that they will continue until that goal is met.

The embassy has previously been targeted by rebel forces based in Damascus' suburbs. A missile struck the embassy compound last month and one person was killed in may due to mortar fire near the embassy.