Syria’s Health Ministry corrects Damascus minibus blast toll: 14 wounded, no deaths

Syria's Health Ministry has corrected the death toll from a minibus explosion in Damascus, revealing that 14 people were wounded, with three in critical condition, but no fatalities occurred. Initially, the ministry had reported two deaths, but following a reevaluation, it was determined that the fatalities were incorrectly attributed due to three severed limbs found at the scene.

These limbs were later identified as belonging to patients who were undergoing surgery, according to a statement released by the ministry on Friday. The explosion, which took place in the Jaramana suburb, a predominantly Druze area, was attributed to an explosive device planted in the minivan taxi carrying passengers. While a little-known group named Minbar Ansar al-Rasoul has claimed responsibility for the attack, Syrian authorities have not disclosed any arrests or the outcomes of their investigation.

Jaramana, known for its large Druze population, has a history of sectarian tensions, particularly with Sunni Muslim Syrians backing the current Islamist-led government. Tensions escalated in April 2025, resulting in at least 10 deaths during sectarian clashes between Druze gunmen and pro-government fighters. This latest bombing, the third in under a month, adds to the challenges faced by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who assumed power in December 2024 after leading an insurgency that overthrew the Assad regime and ended its five-decade rule.

In early July, two explosions during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Syria wounded at least 18 people, with explosive devices placed in a garbage bin and a parked car. Syrian authorities subsequently arrested suspects, identifying them as part of an Islamic State cell.