A deadly Damascus cafe blast has shaken Syria’s capital, killing at least six people and injuring 22 others, according to Syrian state media. The explosion happened on Thursday at a crowded cafe located near the Palace of Justice in central Damascus, creating panic and chaos in the busy area.
Authorities said the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) that had reportedly been planted inside the cafe. Damascus Governor Maher Idlibi confirmed that the bomb was crudely made, suggesting a planned attack targeting civilians in a public place.
Videos shared on social media showed horrifying scenes of injured people, blood-stained floors, and emergency teams rushing to the site. However, the footage has not been independently verified.
So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Security experts believe the incident highlights the fragile security situation in Syria, especially after the political transition that followed the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024.
The current government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has been trying to restore stability after more than 14 years of civil war. However, the country continues to face multiple security threats from militant groups, insurgent fighters, and remnants of the old regime.
Officials have warned that Daesh has been trying to exploit the unstable environment by reactivating sleeper cells, recruiting fighters, and moving weapons. Earlier this year, the group announced a new phase of attacks against the Syrian government.
Although Daesh is much weaker compared to its peak years when it controlled large parts of Syria and Iraq, it still remains capable of carrying out deadly attacks.
This latest Damascus cafe blast adds to growing concerns over Syria’s security transition and raises questions about how effectively the new government can prevent future violence.
