A bomb concealed inside a bag near the entrance of a café in central Damascus killed ten people and injured at least 32 others Thursday afternoon, according to the Syrian Ministry of Interior (MoI), which described the incident as a terrorist attack announcing an investigation is ongoing. The explosion struck the Mushiriyah Café on Nasr Street in the Hijaz district, near the Palace of Justice, at approximately 3 p.m., the ministry said in an official statement.
Preliminary findings indicate the attack was carried out using an improvised explosive device weighing about one kilogram and packed with metal fragments, causing extensive casualties and damage. The Interior Ministry said engineering teams and K9 police units quickly established a security perimeter and searched the surrounding area ensuring no additional explosive devices remained.
Investigators from the Criminal Investigation Department began collecting forensic evidence, reviewing surveillance camera footage and interviewing witnesses as part of efforts to identify those responsible. Officials urged the public and media organizations not to circulate unverified information saying updates would be released through official channels once the investigation progresses.
Casualties Include Lawyers Near Courthouse
Syrian health authorities said the blast killed ten civilians. The Ministry of Health initially reported five deaths before later revising the toll to ten, with over 30 people injured. The explosion occurred in a busy civilian area frequented by visitors and legal professionals because of its proximity to the Palace of Justice.
The Syrian Ministry of Justice said several lawyers were among those killed, extending condolences to their families and to the Syrian Bar Association. The Damascus Health Directorate also confirmed the fatalities and injuries, while emergency crews transported victims to hospitals and continued rescue and debris removal operations following the blast.
Investigation Focuses on Perpetrators
Authorities said forensic teams are processing the crime scene by collecting samples, lifting fingerprints and documenting evidence. Investigators are also examining surveillance footage and witness testimony to determine how the device was planted and identify everyone involved. In a statement, the MoI said those responsible for the attack would be pursued and brought to justice, adding that no one involved would escape accountability.
Damascus Governor Maher al-Idlibi, who visited the scene, said the bombing was intended to undermine Syria’s recovery and create instability. “Whoever sheds the blood of Syrians will be punished,” he said, adding that authorities would continue strengthening security measures throughout the capital. The bombing follows several security incidents in Damascus in recent months, including attacks involving explosive devices targeting both civilian areas and government personnel.
Regional Leaders Condemn Attack
Governments throughout the region condemned the bombing while expressing solidarity with Syria. Turkey described the attack as an attempt to obstruct efforts to restore stability and security in the country. Qatar reaffirmed its opposition to violence, terrorism and criminal acts while offering condolences to the victims’ families. Jordan, Egypt and Iraq also condemned the bombing, reiterating their support for Syria’s security and rejecting attacks targeting civilians.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, through spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, called attacks against civilians “unacceptable” and stressed the importance of identifying and prosecuting those responsible.
The Syrian Bar Association condemned the bombing “in the strongest terms,” calling it an attack on civilians and on the justice system because of its location near the Palace of Justice. The organization urged authorities to strengthen security around vital public facilities and pursue those responsible.
The advocacy group Justice for All also condemned the attack calling for a professional, independent and transparent investigation. In a statement, the organization said investigators should publicly release their findings once supported by legal evidence and ensure that anyone responsible faces fair and public trials.
