A bomb blast at a crowded cafe in central Damascus killed at least nine people and injured 22 others on July 2, 2026, according to Syrian state media. The interior ministry reported that an explosive device was planted inside the cafe, located just 100 meters from the Palace of Justice in the Hejaz district.
Details of the Attack in Damascus
The bombing, which occurred during peak hours, marks the deadliest attack in Damascus since a suicide bombing at a church in June 2025, which claimed 25 lives. Eyewitnesses described the chaos that ensued after the explosion. Mohammed al-Dahabi, owner of a glasses shop next to the cafe, recounted, "I felt strong pressure, and the whole place shook. I ran to the place and saw people lying on the floor with blood pooled around them everywhere."
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as of now. However, it bears resemblance to previous bombings seen during Syria's civil war.
Government Response and Security Concerns
During a visit to the scene, Damascus Governor Maher Marwan Idlibi vowed that those responsible for the attack would be punished, stating, "Each time the country sees a period of stability, malicious parties try to destabilise it." The ongoing violence highlights the challenges faced by the interim government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa in restoring security throughout the country.
Since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, there have been numerous attacks in Damascus, reflecting the precarious security situation. The city has seen various bouts of deadly sectarian fighting between government forces and minority groups, such as the Alawites and Druze.
Historical Context of Violence in Damascus
The recent bombing is part of a troubling trend of violence that has persisted in the region since the end of the civil war. The prior bombing in June 2025, attributed to a shadowy jihadist group known as Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah, was blamed on the Islamic State (IS) group by authorities. The cycle of violence raises questions about the effectiveness of the current government in maintaining peace and security.
- Date of Attack: July 2, 2026
- Location: Central Damascus, Hejaz district
- Casualties: 9 dead, 22 injured
- Proximity to Government Building: 100 meters from Palace of Justice
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC World. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
