At least 9 people were killed and 20 wounded when an explosive device detonated Thursday in a Damascus cafe near the main courthouse complex, according to Syria's Health Ministry.
Damascus Governor Maher Idlibi said the device appeared "primitive," while security forces sealed off the area and the Interior Ministry prepared initial findings; no group immediately claimed responsibility.
Ambulances treated victims at the scene and took the most seriously wounded to hospitals, as witness Jalal Aljanani described carrying bloodied victims from a cafe frequented by lawyers.
The attack underscores persistent security strains for Syria's post-Assad rulers, who have repeatedly announced raids on Islamic State cells but still face public concern after incidents including a July 2025 church suicide bombing.