Bomb blast at Damascus cafe kills nine, authorities say

A bomb blast at a cafe in Damascus on Thursday killed nine people and wounded 20, authorities reported, marking the deadliest attack in Syria's capital since a suicide bombing at a church last year. The explosion occurred near the city's Palace of Justice, a significant government building, sending shockwaves of panic through the busy area.

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The explosion that occurred in a cafe near the Palace of Justice in Damascus resulted from an explosive device planted in the location.

Syrian state television stated that the explosion resulted from an explosive device planted at the cafe. Witnesses described hearing a powerful blast and feeling the ground shake. One shop owner near the site recounted seeing people lying on the floor with blood pooled around them, recalling scenes from Damascus during Syria's prolonged civil war.

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At about 3:00 pm (1200 GMT), I heard a powerful blast and the storefront shook.

Damascus governor Maher Eldibi confirmed an investigation has been launched, vowing to punish those responsible. He suggested that "malicious parties" attempt to destabilize the country whenever a period of stability emerges. The UN's deputy special envoy for Syria, Claudio Cordone, also called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

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I felt strong pressure, and the whole place shook.

Turkey, which maintains close ties with Syria's current Islamist authorities, condemned the attack and pledged solidarity. Several Arab nations, including Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, and Egypt, also issued condemnations. Since the toppling of former ruler Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, Syria's new leadership has been working to consolidate control, restore security, and unify the country, facing multiple attacks and incidents in Damascus.

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I ran to the place and saw people lying on the floor with blood pooled around them everywhere.