Fresh Terror Scare in Syria: Cafe Blast Near Damascus Courthouse Leaves 9 Dead

At least nine people were killed and 20 others injured after an explosive device detonated inside a busy cafe in Damascus on Thursday, marking one of the deadliest attacks in the Syrian capital in recent months. The blast occurred near the city's main courthouse complex , causing panic as emergency teams rushed to rescue victims.

According to Syria's Health Ministry , ambulances and medical personnel quickly reached the scene to provide first aid before shifting the seriously injured to hospitals across the capital. Authorities said the explosion was caused by a primitive explosive device , though investigations are still underway to determine how it was planted and who was behind the attack.

No group has claimed responsibility so far. Security forces immediately cordoned off the area while forensic teams began collecting evidence. Damascus Governor Maher Idlibi said the perpetrators would be identified and brought to justice, adding that the Interior Ministry would soon announce its preliminary findings.

The cafe was well known among lawyers and legal professionals working near the courthouse, making the attack particularly shocking. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as people rushed to help the injured before emergency responders arrived. Jalal Aljanani , who owns a nearby restaurant, said he and others carried victims to vehicles while waiting for ambulances, describing many of them as seriously wounded and covered in blood.

The explosion comes as President Ahmad al-Sharaa's government continues its campaign against militants linked to the Islamic State (IS) group. Since taking power following the fall of the Assad government in December 2024 , authorities have announced multiple operations targeting extremist cells to prevent attacks in the capital.

Despite those efforts, recent incidents, including the July 2025 church suicide bombing , have highlighted Syria's continuing security challenges. Thursday's attack is expected to deepen concerns over public safety and the government's ability to prevent further violence as the country works toward long-term stability.