The United States embassy in the Syrian capital, Damascus, has suspended some consular activities after thousands of demonstrators mobbed the building.

The protesters were angry at last week's American-led military strikes against Iraq.

The embassy has suspended the issung of visas and is no longer offeringservices to citizens until further notice.

On Saturday, thousands of protestors pelted the Damascus embassy with stones and burned an American flag.

The demonstrators also caused damage to the British Council building.

The Syrian government has said it regretted the protests and has tightened security around the diplomatic missions.