An explosion shattered the calm near Mazzeh in western Damascus early Saturday evening. State media reports confirm the blast was triggered by a device planted inside an abandoned vehicle.
Thankfully, no injuries have been reported though investigators are actively working to determine who’s behind it.
Quiet Neighborhood, Alarming Blast
The Mazzeh area, an upscale district home to the presidential palace and several embassies, is not new to security tensions. That sense of unease echoes recent turmoil, including a devastating church attack nearby in June that killed dozens.
Saturday’s blast was heard across western parts of the capital but caused only material damage no casualties or injuries have been reported. Authorities have not yet attributed responsibility.
A History of Strategic Targets
Mazzeh’s strategic importance runs deep. Its air base once served elite military units and is notorious for its past prison known for detaining regime opponents. In 2017, it was also the site of a missile attack that the Syrian government blamed on Israel. Such historical patterns make any explosion in this neighborhood especially worrying.
Context of Recent Violence
Only two months ago, a suicide bombing at Mar Elias Church in Damascus killed at least 25 people. The Islamic State was blamed. That attack marked the first suicide bombing in the capital in years, raising alarm among residents and amplifying fears of ongoing unrest.
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