Several killed in explosion in Syria near Damascus

A bomb explosion in the Druze-dominated neighborhood of Jaramana, near the Syrian capital Damascus, resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injured 14 others. The deadly attack occurred in the early hours of Thursday night, according to officials. The incident took place in a predominantly Druze area, outside Damascus. A security source informed state-run Ekhbariya TV that the explosion was caused by an explosive device planted on a minibus, based on initial reports.

Footage from the scene depicted the shattered remains of a white minibus being removed from the blast site.

Samer Abbas, a resident of Jaramana, was nearby in his clothing store when the blast occurred. A shard of shrapnel struck his storefront. Abbas recounted that the sound of the explosion was "strong and unnatural." His primary concern was for his son, who was sitting outside. Abbas anxiously checked on his son, relieved to confirm his safety.

Bassel Imad, a doctor at Mujtahid Hospital in Damascus, described the bombing as "sadistic." His cousin Safouh was driving the vehicle that detonated and sustained injuries. The targeted street in Jaramana is narrow and features shops and street vendors, according to Imad. The scene was filled with people gathered in confusion and distress following the attack.

Tensions between factions within Syria's Druze community and the country's new Islamist leadership have escalated. A UN investigation, conducted in March, revealed that over 1,700 people, primarily civilians belonging to the Druze religious sect and some Bedouin community members, were killed in the southern Sweida province in July 2025. The investigation found possible war crimes committed by Syrian government forces, tribal fighters, and Druze armed groups.