An explosive device detonated inside a cafe in Damascus on Thursday morning, killing at least four people and injuring multiple others, authorities said. The cause of the blast remains under investigation, with initial reports suggesting the possibility of an explosive device.
The explosion occurred at a cafe in central Damascus, drawing immediate emergency response from ambulances and civil defense crews to the scene. Witnesses reported hearing a powerful blast, with eyewitnesses describing scenes of panic and confusion following the incident. Videos on social media showed smoke billowing from the affected area as first responders rushed to assist the wounded and remove debris.
Multiple casualties were transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Some reports indicated that at least 16 people were injured in the explosion, though the exact number of wounded remained subject to confirmation as rescue operations continued.
Syrian state media confirmed the incident and reported casualties, but authorities provided limited additional details about the circumstances surrounding the blast. The nature of the explosive device and whether the detonation was intentional or accidental remained unclear in the initial hours following the incident.
The explosion marks another security incident in the Syrian capital, which has experienced intermittent attacks and blasts in recent months. These incidents have periodically disrupted daily life in the capital and heightened concerns about security in the densely populated urban areas.
Authorities launched an investigation into the explosion as emergency services continued their response operations. The investigation aims to determine the exact cause of the blast and whether it was related to any specific groups or motivations.
No immediate claim of responsibility emerged in the aftermath of the explosion. Security forces secured the area around the blast site as investigators worked to gather evidence and conduct their preliminary inquiry.
The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges facing Damascus, where civilians remain vulnerable to various forms of attacks. Such explosions have become a recurring concern for residents of the Syrian capital, prompting heightened vigilance among both authorities and the public.
Authorities did not immediately provide comprehensive casualty figures beyond initial reports of deaths and injuries, suggesting that damage assessments and casualty counts were still being finalized as rescue and recovery operations continued throughout the morning hours following the blast.