Bomb Blast Kills At Least Nine in Damascus Cafe Near Palace of Justice

A bomb blast tore through a crowded cafe in central Damascus on Thursday, killing at least nine people and wounding at least 20, according to Syrian authorities and state television.

“A bomb blast tore through a crowded cafe in central Damascus on Thursday, killing at least nine people and wounding 22”

Al Jazeera

The explosion occurred near the Palace of Justice, a key government building, and state television said, "The explosion that occurred in a cafe near the Palace of Justice in Damascus resulted from an explosive device planted in the location."

Al Jazeera

Witnesses described panic as ambulances rushed to the site and security forces sealed off the area, with Nour Khayyat, 40, saying, "at about 3pm, I heard a powerful blast and the storefront shook".

Al Jazeera reported the blast hit a popular cafe on al-Nasr Street in the al-Hijaz area of Damascus, about 100 metres (328 feet) from the main entrance of the Palace of Justice, and said a person entered the cafe, placed an improvised explosive device (IED) under a table and left the building.

Syrian authorities and state media said no group claimed responsibility immediately after the blast, while Al Jazeera reported that Damascus governor Maher Marwan said "bad actors" were trying to destabilise the country.

On the courthouse steps, Maher Marwan told reporters, "The coming hours will reveal everything and those who shed the blood of Syrians will pay, but Syria will be well as long as we are one hand and this will not shake the Syrian state," as investigations began near the Palace of Justice.

Al-Jazeera Net

Witness accounts to AFP and other outlets described the blast at around 3 p.m. and the storefront shaking, including Nawar Khayat, 40, saying, "I heard a loud blast at around 3 p.m., and the front of my shop shook."

The BBC reported that Colonel Mohammad Kheit of Damascus's Internal Security Forces told state television the explosion was caused by an explosive device planted inside the cafe, and said a security cordon was imposed as rescue and evacuation operations began.

The attack triggered condemnation and solidarity statements from regional actors, with the GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi condemning the bombing targeting a café in Damascus and extending condolences to victims' families.

“Update on the attack that occurred Thursday in a Damascus cafe, the capital of Syria, has risen to nine dead and 20 injured, according to Syrian authorities in a new toll”

AL24 News

In a statement, Albudaiwi said, "His Excellency extended his deepest condolences and profound sympathies to the families of the victims," while also praying to Allah for patience and solace and wishing a swift recovery to the injured.

Al Jazeera framed the bombing as a major security breach in the heart of the Syrian capital and reported that officials warned the death toll could rise, with the Health Ministry figures cited as nine killed and 22 wounded.

The BBC described the blast as "a new test for the Syrian authorities" working to restore security and extend their control, and said the authorities pledged to hold those involved to account as the investigation continued.