At least six people were killed and 22 others injured after a bomb exploded inside a busy cafe in central Damascus, according to Syrian state media.
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Deadly Blast Rocks Central Damascus
The interior ministry said the explosive device had been planted inside the cafe, which is located about 100 metres from the Palace of Justice in the capital's Hejaz district. Authorities have not identified those responsible, and no group immediately claimed the attack.
The bombing is the deadliest to hit Damascus since a suicide attack on a church in June 2025 that killed 25 people.
Witness Describes Scene of Devastation
Mohammed al-Dahabi, who owns a glasses shop next to the cafe, said the explosion brought back memories of the violence that gripped the city during Syria's civil war.
"I felt strong pressure, and the whole place shook," he told AFP. "I ran to the place and saw people lying on the floor with blood pooled around them everywhere."
Video shared on social media appeared to show at least two men lying motionless on the outdoor terrace of the cafe after the blast.
Authorities Vow Action
Damascus Governor Maher Marwan Idlibi visited the scene and said those behind the attack would be held accountable.
"Each time the country sees a period of stability, malicious parties try to destabilise it," he said.
Officials have not announced any arrests or provided further details about the investigation.
Security Challenges Persist
The bombing comes as Syria's interim government continues to face significant security challenges following the overthrow of former president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist-led rebel forces in December 2024, ending more than 13 years of civil war.
Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has been working to consolidate government control across the country and improve security, but violence has continued in several areas.
The June 2025 church bombing, which killed 25 people, was claimed by the little-known jihadist group Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah. However, Syrian authorities attributed that attack to the Islamic State (IS) group.
In recent months, Syria has also experienced repeated outbreaks of deadly sectarian violence involving government forces and members of the country's Alawite and Druze religious minorities, underscoring the continuing instability despite the end of the civil war.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 3 July 2026