Key facts
- An explosion occurred in a cafe in central Damascus on Thursday.
- At least nine people were killed and 20 others wounded.
- The blast was caused by an improvised explosive device weighing approximately one kilogram.
- The cafe is located on al-Nasser Street in the al-Marjah district, near the Palace of Justice.
- An investigation is underway, with security forces reviewing surveillance footage and collecting evidence.
An explosion at a cafe in central Damascus on Thursday killed at least nine people and wounded 20 others, according to Syria's Ministry of Health. The blast occurred around 3:24 p.m. local time on al-Nasser Street in the al-Marjah district, near the Palace of Justice, a location frequented by lawyers.
Syrian state media reported that the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device weighing approximately one kilogram and equipped with metal shrapnel. An investigation has been launched, with security forces reviewing surveillance camera footage, collecting forensic evidence, and interviewing witnesses. The Interior Ministry stated that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
Footage from the scene showed significant damage to the cafe, with blood visible on the floor. Residents provided initial aid to the injured before ambulances arrived. Security forces initially cordoned off the area due to fears of a secondary explosion. While no group has immediately claimed responsibility, authorities are investigating potential sleeper cells aiming to destabilize the country.