Damascus, July 2 (SANA)Nine people were killed and 20 others injured after a bombing that targeted a café in al-Nasr Street near the Justice Palace in central Damascus on Thursday , according to theSyrian Interior Ministry.

In a statement, the ministry said preliminary investigations indicate the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device containing approximately one kilogram of explosive material and packed with metal fragments, resulting in multiple casualties and significant damage at the scene.

Security forces immediately cordoned off the area, while engineering units and police K9 teams conducted searches to ensure no additional threats remained.

Forensic investigators have begun collecting evidence, reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses as part of efforts to determine the circumstances of the attack and identify those responsible.

The Interior Ministry said investigations are ongoing and urged the public to rely on official statements for updates and avoid spreading unverified information.

The ministry extended its condolences to the families of the victims, wished the injured a speedy recovery, and pledged to bring those responsible to justice.