Accidental US embassy shooting wounds two

AMMAN — An accidental shooting at the US embassy wounded two gendarmes on Tuesday, the Public Security Department (PSD) said.

PSD Spokesperson Maj. Amer Sartawi told The Associated Press that the "accidental shooting" wounded one guard in the hand and the other in the leg. He did not elaborate.

Edgar Vasquez, a spokesperson for the US State Department's Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, said the incident happened as guards were moving between vehicles outside the embassy, AP reported.

"A Gendarmerie officer's weapon accidentally discharged inside the vehicle, injuring two officers," Vasquez said. 

"We understand the incident has been ruled an accident and the government's investigation has been closed."

A man who identified himself as a US marine answered a call to the embassy Tuesday night and declined to comment, transferring the call to a mobile phone that was switched off, AP said.

Local news websites reported that the two injured gendarmes were in good condition and recovering in hospital.