Envoy Details Harrowing Run-In in Zimbabwe

Military Tried to Force U.S.-U.K. Diplomatic Convoy Off Road Before Tense Confrontation.

The American diplomatic convoy sped down the road, with Zimbabwean police in hot pursuit. A police car tried to ram the speeding vehicle off the road, but the driver was able to maintain control.

Finally a police roadblock brought the chase to an end — but the ordeal would last almost six hours more.

A mob surrounded the car, beat the driver and threatened to burn alive the diplomats inside.

U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe James McGee detailed the harrowing events to ABC News in a phone interview today from the capital, Harare.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called the incident "outrageous."

As dangerous as the situation was, McGee acknowledges it could have turned out much worse.

"I had some very, very cool people out there in the field," he said. "This is a lawless country."

Posted by Staff