Nine killed in Damascus cafe explosion, authorities investigating
At least nine people were killed and 20 others wounded when an explosive device detonated in a cafe in the Syrian capital Damascus on Thursday (July 2, 2026), according to Syria's Health Ministry.
The blast occurred near the main courthouse complex, a busy area frequented by lawyers. The ministry's statement was reported by state-run Al-Ikhbariya television.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Security forces cordoned off the scene and launched an investigation.
Damascus Governor Maher Idlibi said the device appeared to be "primitive" and vowed that those responsible would be held accountable. The Interior Ministry is expected to release initial findings soon.
Videos on social media showed wounded individuals on the ground, with police and ambulances arriving to transport the injured to hospitals. A nearby restaurant owner, Jalal Aljanani, told The Associated Press that he and others carried victims to vehicles until traffic police arrived. Many had severe injuries and were bleeding.
The cafe was widely used by legal professionals working in the area.
Since taking power in a rapid insurgency in December 2024, Syria's new leadership—previously affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, formerly linked to al-Qaida—has sought to combat militants from the Islamic State (IS) group to prevent attacks in and around the capital. President Ahmad al-Sharaa has pledged to protect all Syrians, including religious and ethnic minorities.
The government has reasserted control over most of the country, pushing back against extremist groups and Kurdish-led forces. However, security challenges persist. Authorities frequently announce raids on IS cells and foiled plots, but occasional attacks—such as a suicide bombing at a church in July 2025—have raised concerns among the population.
