Overview
- An improvised explosive device detonated inside a busy café on Al-Nasr/Al-Nasser Street in central Damascus, about 100 metres from the Palace of Justice, officials said.
- Syria’s Health Ministry gave the latest toll as nine dead and roughly 20 wounded after earlier, lower counts were issued by different state agencies.
- Security forces sealed the scene, forensic teams are examining the site, and the Interior Ministry and Damascus governor have opened an investigation.
- No group has claimed responsibility and authorities say the device appeared primitive, while witnesses and social media videos showed injured people and emergency responders at the scene.
- The attack, which occurred Thursday, raises alarm because the café is frequented by lawyers and courthouse staff and comes as transitional authorities carry out high-profile trials and try to tighten security across the capital.