Nine killed, 20 injured in Damascus cafe bomb blast

A bomb explosion ripped through a cafe in Syria's capital, Damascus, on Thursday, killing nine people and injuring 20 others, authorities reported. The blast struck near the Palace of Justice, a key government edifice, sending waves of panic through the bustling district.

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The explosion that occurred at a cafe near the Palace of Justice in Damascus was caused by an explosive device planted at the location.

State television stated that the explosion was caused by an explosive device planted at the cafe. The Syrian Interior Ministry, via Telegram, revealed that the improvised explosive device (IED) was packed with metal fragments, which inflicted severe injuries and widespread damage. Investigators are currently reviewing CCTV footage, interviewing witnesses, and collecting forensic evidence from the scene.

Nour Khayyat, a 40-year-old owner of a nearby solar panel battery shop, recounted hearing a loud explosion around 3 p.m. local time, which caused his shop's front to shake. The incident presents a fresh challenge to the country's Islamist leadership as they strive to stabilize the nation after more than a decade of war.

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The improvised explosive device (IED) contained metal fragments that caused severe injuries and extensive damage.

Turkiye, along with several Arab nations including Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, and Egypt, condemned the attack. The Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) also denounced the bombing. Since the fall of the previous government in December 2024, the new Syrian authorities have been working to consolidate control, restore security, and unify the country. Damascus has experienced several attacks and incidents since the new administration took power, including a June 2025 church attack that killed 25 people.

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Around 3 p.m. local time, I heard a loud explosion and the front of my shop shook.