Bomb blast in central Damascus cafe kills six

DAMASCUS, Syria 

At least six people were killed and more than twenty others injured after a bomb exploded inside a crowded café in central Damascus, marking one of the deadliest attacks to hit the Syrian capital in recent months and underscoring the fragile security situation that continues to confront the country despite ongoing efforts to restore stability.

The explosion occurred on Al-Nasser Street in the busy Al-Marjah district, an area known for its shops, cafés, and government offices, including its close proximity to the Palace of Justice. According to Syrian authorities, the blast was caused by a crudely made improvised explosive device that had been planted inside the café before it detonated during the afternoon, when the venue was filled with customers.

Witnesses described scenes of panic as the powerful explosion shattered windows, overturned tables, and sent smoke and debris into the surrounding streets. Emergency responders rushed to the area within minutes, evacuating the wounded and transporting them to nearby hospitals while firefighters and security personnel secured the scene. Images from the aftermath showed significant damage inside the café, with broken furniture, shattered glass, and rescue workers searching through the wreckage for additional victims.

Officials confirmed that at least six people lost their lives and 22 others sustained injuries, several of them reported to be in critical condition. Authorities cautioned that the casualty toll could change as medical teams continue treating those wounded in the attack.

The Syrian Interior Ministry immediately launched an investigation, with forensic teams collecting evidence from the blast site and security officials reviewing surveillance camera footage from nearby businesses and government buildings. The surrounding neighborhood was sealed off as investigators searched for clues that could help identify those responsible. As of the latest official updates, no individual or organization has claimed responsibility for the bombing, and authorities have not publicly identified any suspects.

The attack comes at a time when Syria’s transitional government is attempting to strengthen security following years of conflict and political upheaval. Although violence has declined significantly compared with the height of the country’s civil war, officials have repeatedly warned that extremist groups and other armed factions continue to pose a threat through isolated attacks aimed at undermining public confidence and destabilizing the country’s recovery.

Government representatives condemned the bombing, describing it as a terrorist act targeting innocent civilians gathered in a public place. Officials pledged that security forces would pursue those responsible and continue operations against militant cells believed to remain active in parts of the country.

The bombing has also drawn condemnation from several Arab governments, which expressed solidarity with Syria and reaffirmed their support for efforts to combat terrorism and maintain regional stability.

While investigators continue to search for answers, the attack serves as a painful reminder that, despite signs of recovery in many parts of Syria, the path toward lasting peace and security remains uncertain. For families who lost loved ones and those recovering from their injuries, the tragedy has once again highlighted the human cost of violence that continues to cast a shadow over everyday life in the Syrian capital.

Discover Also Six dead and many injured in Antwerp apartment fire