Six killed, 22 hurt in bomb blast at Damascus cafe

DAMASCUS: At least six people were killed and 22 others injured when a bomb exploded inside a busy cafe in central Damascus on Thursday, according to Syrian state media.

The blast took place at a cafe near the Palace of Justice in the centre of the Syrian capital. Syrian state television reported that an explosive device had been planted inside the cafe, while Damascus Governor Maher Idlibi said the explosion was caused by a crudely made improvised explosive device.

The incident marks another security test for the government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who took power after former president Bashar al-Assad was overthrown in late 2024, ending more than 14 years of civil war.

Security concerns persist

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing. However, security officials had earlier warned that the Islamic State group was attempting to take advantage of the vacuum left by Assad's removal by reactivating sleeper cells, recruiting fighters and moving weapons as the new administration works to consolidate control.

Although Islamic State is far weaker than it was when it held large parts of Syria and Iraq before the fall of its self-declared caliphate in 2019, the group announced earlier this year a new phase of operations targeting Sharaa's government.

The authorities are also dealing with threats from other armed actors, including former military personnel linked to the Assad era. In 2025, Syria saw clashes between government forces and insurgents from the Alawite minority, as well as separate fighting involving Druze gunmen.

Thursday's bombing adds to the security pressures facing the new leadership as it seeks to stabilise the country after the end of the war.