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Three bomb blasts strike Damascus over five days
Three explosions hit central Damascus between July 2 and July 7, killing at least 11 people and wounding 36. Officials announced the arrest of an ISIL-linked cell, while residents reported continued daily routines despite localized fear.
Jul 10, 5:21 AM·1m read3 sources
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Three explosions occurred in central Damascus over five days, killing at least 11 people and wounding 36. The first blast on July 2 struck a cafe near the Justice Palace, killing 10. Two additional blasts on July 7 near the Four Seasons Hotel killed one person and injured 36 others.
Syrian officials stated they had detained an ISIL-linked cell responsible for the July 7 attacks. Interior Minister Anas Khattab posted on X that the cell was now in custody. No group claimed responsibility for any of the blasts.
Security situation The attacks targeted locations near government buildings and a hotel hosting a foreign visit. A researcher at the Arab Center for Contemporary Syrian Studies said the incidents appeared aimed at damaging perceptions of stability rather than showing large operational capability.
A senior Syria analyst at the International Crisis Group noted that security forces have arrested dozens of ISIL operatives since December 2024 but that work to penetrate clandestine networks remains incomplete.
Daily life Foot and vehicle traffic continued near the blast sites.
A highway facing the locations remained busy with cars, and residents walked past or sat in a nearby park. The executive director of The Syria Campaign said many residents feel anxiety near government offices where they process paperwork, yet most continue daily activities because they have no alternative.
A Damascus-based journalist said years of conflict have accustomed many locals to such incidents and that daily life has not changed in a general sense. The owner of the damaged cafe said he plans to reopen on Saturday after repairs.
