Explosion in Damascus Cafe Claims Six Lives
A recent bomb explosion at a bustling cafe situated in the heart of Damascus has led to the deaths of at least six people and left 22 others wounded, as reported by Syrian state media. The incident occurred approximately 100 meters (330 feet) from the Palace of Justice, a significant government facility located in the capital's Hejaz district.
Investigation Underway, No Immediate Claim of Responsibility
The Ministry of Interior indicated that an explosive device had been placed inside the cafe. As of now, no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack. This event marks the most severe bombing in Damascus since a suicide attack on a church in June 2025, which resulted in 25 fatalities. While a shadowy jihadist organization, Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah, claimed responsibility for that earlier attack, authorities attributed it to the Islamic State (IS) group.
Witness Accounts Describe Chaos and Devastation
Mohammed al-Dahabi, who owns a glasses shop adjacent to the cafe, remarked that the recent bombing brought back memories of similar incidents during Syria's civil war. He recounted to AFP news agency, "I felt strong pressure, and the whole place shook. I ran to the place and saw people lying on the floor with blood pooled around them everywhere." Graphic video footage circulating on social media depicted at least two men motionless on the outdoor terrace of the cafe.
Officials Vow Justice Amidst Instability Concerns
Damascus Governor Maher Marwan Idlibi visited the scene and affirmed that those responsible for the violence would face justice. He stated, "Each time the country sees a period of stability, malicious parties try to destabilise it." This incident occurs amidst ongoing efforts by Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa to consolidate control and restore security across the country, following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad by Islamist-led rebel forces in December 2024, which concluded 13 years of civil war. The region has also experienced several instances of deadly sectarian conflict involving government forces and members of Syria's Alawite and Druze religious minorities.
Source: Original Article
