The US has thanked Syria for its help foiling the terrorist attack on its embassy in Damascus this morning.

They are the first kind words from Washington to Damascus for more than two years.

Condoleeza Rice, US Secretary of State: "I do think that the Syrians reacted to this attack in a way that helped to secure our people and we very much appreciate that. ... [Syria had helped to] secure our people".

"I think it's very early to try and speculate why this may have happened," she said.

White House spokesman Tony Snow: "[the US is] grateful for the assistance the Syrians provided in going after the attackers".

"We are hoping they will become an ally and make the choice of fighting against terrorists".