Explosive Device Detonates in Central Damascus Cafe, Killing Six and Wounding 22 Others

DAMASCUS — An explosive device detonated inside a cafe on Al-Nasr Street in the al-Hijaz area of central Damascus on July 2, killing six people and injuring 22 others according to the latest update from Syrian health officials.

The blast occurred near the Palace of Justice, the main courthouse complex in the Syrian capital. Syrian state news agency SANA reported that the explosion was caused by an explosive device inside the cafe.

Dr. Ahmad al-Bakkour, director of Ambulance and Emergency Services at the Health Ministry, provided casualty updates. Earlier figures cited four deaths and 10 injuries evacuated to Al-Mujtahid Hospital, with one additional injured person transferred to the Syrian Red Crescent Hospital.

Syria’s Interior Ministry stated that security units launched a field response immediately after the blast. Units began field procedures following the explosion of a device inside one of the cafes in the al-Hijaz area.

Security force patrols established a security cordon to ensure the safety of citizens and secure the entire perimeter of the blast site. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Syrian Interior Ministry Response

Syria’s Interior Ministry stated that its units began field procedures after the device exploded. Security patrols set up a cordon to secure the perimeter and protect residents. Damascus Governor Maher Idlibi said that the Interior Ministry would announce initial findings soon.

Investigators are collecting evidence at the scene. No further details on the type of device or suspects have been released publicly at this time.

Official Statements

• Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs, July 2, 2026: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the State of Kuwait’s condemnation of the explosion that targeted one of the cafes in the Syrian capital, Damascus, which resulted in casualties and injuries among civilians. The Ministry reiterates the State of Kuwait’s firm and steadfast position rejecting violence, terrorism, and criminal acts, expressing the State of Kuwait’s sincere condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of the sisterly Arab Republic of Syria, while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.”

• Turkish Foreign Ministry, July 2, 2026: “We strongly condemn the attack carried out today (July 2) in the Hijaz area of Syria’s capital, Damascus, which caused fatalities. Türkiye will continue to stand in solidarity with Syria and voices confidence that Syrians will preserve unity against attempts to undermine stability.” (translated from Turkish)

• SANA reporting on regional condemnations, July 2, 2026: SANA reported that Türkiye, Iraq, Egypt, Qatar and Jordan on Thursday strongly condemned the bombing that targeted a café in Damascus’ al-Hijaz district, expressing solidarity with Syria and reaffirming their support.

• Syrian Democratic Council, July 2, 2026: The Syrian Democratic Council strongly condemned the terrorist bombing that targeted a café in the Al-Hijaz area of Damascus. The attack claimed the lives of a number of innocent civilians and left others injured.

• Embassy of Japan in Syria, July 2, 2026: We strongly condemn the explosion caused by an explosive device in a café in Damascus, causing casualties and injuries. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and wish the injured a swift recovery. Our hearts go out to all those affected and the Syrian people.