A bomb explosion at a café in central Damascus on Thursday killed nine people and left 20 others injured, according to Syria’s Interior Ministry, with authorities confirming there was no immediate claim of responsibility.
State television reported that the blast was caused by an explosive device planted inside the café near the Palace of Justice in the heart of the capital, an area that was quickly cordoned off following the incident.
Preliminary findings from the Interior Ministry indicated the device was crudely assembled, weighing around one kilogram and packed with metal shrapnel, resulting in severe injuries and extensive damage at the scene.
Social media footage circulating online showed injured civilians and blood-stained floors inside the café, although Reuters noted it was unable to independently verify the authenticity of the material.
The attack adds to ongoing security concerns facing Syria’s leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assumed power following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024 after more than a decade of civil war.
While no group has claimed responsibility, officials have previously warned of the Islamic State group exploiting security gaps through sleeper cells and renewed insurgency-style attacks, despite being significantly weakened compared to its peak years.
