14 Injured in Explosive Device Blast Inside Minivan in Syria’s Jaramana

An explosion targeting a minivan in Jaramana, a suburb of the Syrian capital Damascus, injured at least 14 people, including three who were reported to be in critical condition, Syrian authorities said. The Health Ministry revised an earlier report that two people had been killed in the blast.

The explosion occurred on Thursday on a busy commercial street in Jaramana, an area home to a large population of the Druze religious minority. Syrian state television, citing a security official, reported that an explosive device had been planted inside a passenger minivan.

Emergency responders and residents rushed to the scene following the blast, which shook the surrounding area. Witnesses said passengers were inside the vehicle when the explosion occurred.

Authorities initially reported two fatalities after severed limbs were recovered from the wreckage. However, the Health Ministry later clarified that the limbs belonged to surviving victims undergoing surgery, prompting officials to revise the death toll to zero.

A little-known group calling itself Minbar Ansar al-Rasoul has claimed responsibility for the attack, although Syrian authorities have not independently confirmed the claim or announced any arrests. The bombing comes amid heightened security concerns in Syria and adds to the challenges facing interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who took power after an insurgency overthrew Bashar al-Assad's government in December 2024.

Jaramana has previously witnessed sectarian tensions involving members of the Druze community and Sunni Muslim Syrians supportive of the Islamist-led government. In April 2025, clashes between Druze gunmen and pro-government fighters left at least 10 people dead.

The latest incident is reportedly the third bombing in just over a month. Earlier in July, two explosions during French President Emmanuel Macron's landmark visit to Syria injured at least 18 people.

Al-Sharaa's government is seeking to consolidate control over the country, reassure minority communities and gain international support while pursuing political and economic reforms.