Bomb blast at Damascus cafe kills six, Syrian state media say

A powerful bomb blast struck a café in central Damascus on Thursday, killing at least nine people and injuring more than 20, according to reports from Syrian state media and international news outlets. The attack took place near the Palace of Justice, one of the most prominent government buildings in the city, and sent shockwaves through the already fragile political landscape of Syria. This incident marks the deadliest bombing in Damascus since a similar attack on a church in June 2025, which claimed the lives of 25 individuals. The recent explosion has reignited fears of renewed violence in a region that has endured decades of conflict and political instability.

The blast occurred in a bustling area of the capital, where the proximity of the café to the Palace of Justice heightened the sense of urgency and fear among residents and officials. According to statements released by the Syrian interior ministry via its Telegram account, the explosion was attributed to an “improvised explosive device” that included metal fragments, causing severe injuries and extensive damage. The official narrative suggests that the device was planted within the café itself, though there has been no immediate claim of responsibility from any known terrorist organization. While some sources mention the involvement of a shadowy jihadist group called Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah in previous attacks, including the church bombing, Syrian authorities have instead pointed fingers at the Islamic State (IS) group as the likely perpetrator of the current incident.

Eyewitness accounts and graphic footage shared on social media provide a harrowing glimpse into the aftermath of the attack. Mohammed al-Dahabi, who owns a nearby glasses store, described the moment the blast occurred, noting how the entire area was thrown into chaos. “I felt strong pressure, and the whole place shook,” he told the AFP news agency. “I ran to the place and saw people lying on the floor with blood pooled around them everywhere.” The video clips captured the devastation, showing at least two men motionless on the outdoor terrace of the café, underscoring the severity of the casualties.

Damascus Governor Maher Marwan Idlibi visited the site of the explosion and vowed to bring those responsible to justice. “Those responsible for this bloodshed will be punished,” he stated. His remarks echoed a broader sentiment among officials who believe that periods of relative stability in Syria often attract attempts at destabilization by hostile actors. This perspective aligns with the ongoing challenges faced by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has struggled to establish authority over the entire country following the ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Since then, the nation has experienced sporadic outbreaks of sectarian violence, particularly between government forces and members of Syria’s Alawite and Druze communities.

The attack raises critical questions about the security situation in Damascus, especially given the city’s historical role as a center of political and cultural life. With the Assad regime having lost much of its grip on the country, the resurgence of militant activity poses a serious threat to both civilians and the new leadership. International observers, including the UN’s deputy special envoy for Syria, Claudio Cordone, have called for accountability, emphasizing that the perpetrators must face justice. As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding the motivations behind the attack and assessing its potential impact on the delicate balance of power in Syria.