US Embassy In Cairo Under Lockdown: Explosion Nearby Prompts Warnings

An explosion near the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, prompted a lockdown early Tuesday. The embassy issued a statement on Twitter asking Americans not to visit the area.

Initial reports said a person attempted to detonate himself near the embassy. Police quickly intervened and arrested the suspect. No other details were immediately available.

An additional bomb was also said to be in the nearby area. But this could not be confirmed.

"We are aware of a reported incident on Simon Bolivar Street in Cairo. Please avoid the area and monitor local media for updates. We are aware of reports that public transportation near the area has been disrupted due to the incident. Please exercise caution," the first statement from the embassy read.

Photos of smoke rising in the area were shared on Twitter.

This is a developing story.