Central News Agency (CNA Damascus, July 2nd, Combined Foreign Reports) A bomb explosion at a cafe in Syria's capital Damascus today has killed 9 people and injured 20, authorities said. Witnesses recalled in horror that many people fell to the ground at the scene, with blood everywhere. According to Agence France-Presse, this bombing is the deadliest attack in Damascus since a suicide attack on a Greek Orthodox church last year. No group has claimed responsibility yet. According to Syrian state television, the cafe is located near the Palace of Justice, and the explosive device was placed inside the shop in advance. The Syrian Ministry of Interior stated on the instant messaging app Telegram that the homemade bomb contained metal fragments, causing "serious injuries and significant damage." Mohammed al-Dahabi, the owner of an optical shop next to the cafe, recalled the scene with a tremor: "I ran to the scene and saw people lying in pools of blood, blood flowing everywhere." This reminded him of the bomb attacks Damascus had suffered during Syria's nearly 14-year civil war. Damascus Governor Maher Idlibi arrived at the scene and stated that authorities have launched an investigation, and "those responsible for this bloodshed will be punished." Turkey, which has close ties with Syria's Islamist authorities, also issued a statement through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemning the attack and pledging to "continue to stand in solidarity with Syria" to overcome difficulties. Since the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad, who ruled Syria for a long time, in December 2024, the new government led by current President Ahmed al-Sharaa has been trying to regain full control, restore security, and reunify the country. However, Damascus has still experienced several attacks and security incidents. (Intern Editor: Hsieh Min-an / Editor: Chang Cheng-chien) 1150703 Stand with facts, your every donation is a force to protect press freedom. Download CNA's "One-Stop Ne