A bomb blast at a popular cafe in Damascus killed nine people and injured 20. Mourners gathered to bury victims as Syrian officials promised justice and vowed to arrest those responsible. Separately, three security forces were wounded in an attack on a checkpoint.
The bombing highlights ongoing security challenges in Damascus and the broader Syrian conflict, with authorities struggling to maintain control and prevent extremist attacks.
Mourners gathered in Damascus on Friday to bury victims of a cafe bombing that killed nine people and wounded 20, an attack that occurred near the capital's main judicial complex. Syrian officials have promised to apprehend those responsible, though no updates on the investigation have been announced and no group has claimed responsibility.
One victim, Fathi Qabbani, was killed while passing by the popular cafe. His brother, Bahaa Qabbani, described the perpetrators as "terrorists" and urged security forces to act decisively.
In a separate incident on Friday, three members of the security forces were injured in an attack on a checkpoint in the Damascus suburb of Jaramana. State-run SANA reported that a motorcyclist threw grenades at the guards, with a third grenade exploding in his hand, killing him.
Syria's new rulers, who took power in December 2024, have faced challenges in controlling the country and combating extremist groups. Previous attacks attributed to the Islamic State group have targeted religious minorities in Damascus and Homs.