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Minibus blast in Jaramana
An explosion on a passenger minibus in Jaramana, a suburb east of Damascus, killed at least two people and wounded at least 13 others, according to Syria’s Health Ministry as cited by AP.
“killed at least two people and wounded several others”
Reuters later reported that a bomb planted in a minibus wounded 14 people on the outskirts of Damascus, with officials having first said two were killed before revising the assessment.
Al Jazeera reported that the Syrian Ministry of Health initially incorrectly stated that two people had been killed, based on three severed limbs pulled from the wreckage, and said the limbs belonged to living patients undergoing surgery.
The blast occurred in Jaramana, which Al Jazeera described as a mixed Druze-Christian town southeast of Damascus, and Reuters said it took place in the predominantly Druze area of Jaramana outside Damascus.
Officials, investigations, and confusion
Syrian state media and officials said the explosion was caused by an explosive device planted inside the vehicle, with Reuters citing a security source at state-run Ekhbariya TV.
Reuters also reported that Health ministry head of media Riad al-Sayed Hasan told Reuters the earlier deaths assessment was based on body parts found at the scene that turned out to be those of some of the people severely wounded.
Shafaq News said Damascus Countryside Health Director Dr. Tawfiq Hesaba reported that the number of injured had risen to 14 and that no deaths had been recorded.
The Interior Ministry said in a statement that security forces were continuing their investigation after securing the blast site and collecting evidence, and urged residents “not to be drawn into sectarian incitement or actions that could undermine civil peace.”
Arab states condemn, Syria responds
Arab states condemned the bombing that targeted a passenger bus in Jaramana and affirmed solidarity with Syria while renewing their rejection of violence and terrorism, according to Yaffa News Network.
“Several Arab countries on Friday condemned the bombing”
Yaffa News Network said the Syrian Ministry of Interior announced the explosion injured 14 people and called on citizens not to be drawn into attempts to spread sedition or undermine civil peace.
The same report said the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the bombing and renewed its support for Syria in measures to preserve security, stability, and the safety of its people.
It also said the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack and affirmed full solidarity with the Syrian government in its efforts to maintain security and stability.