The death toll from an explosion at a cafe in central Damascus has reached nine, with injuries rising to 20, as confirmed by Syria’s interior authorities. The blast, caused by a 1 kg improvised explosive device filled with metal fragments, occurred around 3:00 p.m. local time. It took place inside the cafe on al-Nasr Street in the Hijjaz area, located about 70 meters west of the Justice Palace, according to reports from the authorities.
Security forces and emergency teams quickly responded to the scene post-explosion to evacuate the injured, offer initial medical assistance, and secure the area. An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the circumstances of the blast and identify those accountable. Earlier reports from Syria’s state news agency SANA indicated that all casualties had been transferred to hospitals for treatment.
Despite no specific group claiming responsibility for the incident, security officials have noted the Islamic State’s efforts to exploit the security vacuum post-Assad’s removal. This includes reactivating sleeper cells, recruiting new fighters, and relocating weapons as the new government seeks to establish control across Syria. In a separate incident in June, two Syrian soldiers were killed in an attack near the city of Manbij in northern Syria’s Aleppo province, as reported by SANA.
The recent attacks on military personnel in Syria have raised concerns, with some reports suggesting Islamic State involvement. These attacks target members of the new Syrian military forces established after the previous administration’s downfall in late 2024. The incidents underscore the ongoing security challenges faced by the country’s transitional authorities.
