At least nine people were killed and 20 others injured in a powerful explosion at a café in Damascus, Syria, late Thursday night. Local authorities reported that the blast ripped through the crowded establishment, causing extensive damage and sparking panic among residents in the area.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, evacuating the injured and transporting them to nearby hospitals. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as rescue teams worked to clear debris and search for survivors. The café, located in a busy district of the capital, was reportedly packed with customers at the time of the incident.
Officials have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion. While no group has immediately claimed responsibility, security forces have cordoned off the area and heightened patrols across Damascus to prevent further incidents. The government condemned the attack, calling it an assault on civilian life and stability.