One Soldier Killed, 20 Injured in Car Bomb Blast Near Syrian Defence Ministry Building

A car bomb explosion near a building linked to the Syrian Defence Ministry in Damascus killed a soldier and injured more than 20 people, intensifying concerns over Syria’s fragile security situation during its political transition.

The blast occurred Tuesday in the historic Bab Sharqi district of the Syrian capital after soldiers reportedly discovered an improvised explosive device planted near a Defence Ministry facility. According to Syrian authorities, military personnel were attempting to dismantle the bomb when a nearby vehicle suddenly exploded.

Initial reports from state television said 12 people were injured, but later updates from emergency officials raised the number of wounded to between 18 and 21. Najib al-Nassan, head of Syria’s ambulance and emergency directorate, said the injured were transferred to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The explosion reportedly took place close to the ministry’s Armament Administration building near the Bab Sharqi tunnel. Videos circulating on social media showed thick smoke rising above the area as firefighters rushed to extinguish burning vehicles. Security forces sealed off nearby streets and launched an investigation.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. However, Syrian officials and regional observers suspect the involvement of the Islamic State group , which has continued carrying out bombings and insurgent attacks since the fall of the Assad family government in December 2024.

The latest attack follows several deadly incidents in Damascus over the past year, including a suicide bombing at St. Elias Church near Bab Sharqi that killed worshippers and injured dozens. Authorities had blamed Islamic State militants for that attack as well.

The bombing comes as Syria’s interim leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa seeks to stabilize the country and improve international relations, with several Western nations recently signaling cautious diplomatic re-engagement with Damascus.