A devastating bomb blast has struck a crowded cafe in central Damascus, Syria, claiming the lives of at least six individuals and injuring 22 others. The incident occurred near the Palace of Justice, a prominent government building in the Hejaz district. According to Syrian state media, the explosion was caused by an explosive device planted within the cafe. The attack marks the deadliest bombing in Damascus since June 2025 when a suicide attack on a church killed 25 people. No immediate claim of responsibility has been made for Thursday's attack, although similar incidents during Syria's civil war have been linked to jihadist groups such as Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah and the Islamic State (IS) group. The bombing echoes the violence witnessed in Damascus during its prolonged civil conflict. The city has experienced numerous attacks since December 2024, when Islamist-led rebel forces overthrew President Bashar al-Assad, marking the end of a 13-year devastating civil war. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has faced challenges in consolidating control and restoring security across the country since assuming office. The latest attack has reignited concerns about ongoing sectarian fighting between government forces and members of Syria's Alawite and Druze religious minorities. Damascus Governor Maher Marwan Idlibi, during a visit to the scene, vowed that those responsible for the bloodshed would be brought to justice, stating that malicious parties continue to attempt to destabilize the country as it strives for stability following years of conflict.