The death toll from an explosive device that detonated inside a café in central Damascus has risen to six, with 22 others injured, Syria’s official news agency reported on Thursday.
The agency published images showing the aftermath of the blast, which struck the Al-Hijaz area in the heart of the Syrian capital and caused visible damage at the scene.
The explosion occurred inside a popular café on Al-Nasr Street in Al-Hijaz, near the Justice Palace affiliated with the Ministry of Justice.
Ambulances and fire engines rushed to the area after the blast, while injured civilians were transferred to Al-Mouwasat Hospital for treatment.
Security forces imposed a tight cordon around the site and prevented media crews from approaching the area.
Initial reports ruled out technical causes or accidental incidents, such as gas cylinder explosions or power battery failures. Syrian state television reported that preliminary information indicated an explosive device caused the blast.
Authorities are awaiting an official statement from the Interior Ministry to confirm the exact nature of the explosion.
The attack is considered highly sensitive because the café is located near the Ministry of Justice building, where public trials are currently being held for several figures from the former Syrian regime, including a former intelligence chief and Atef Najib.
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