Damascus Cafe Bombing: Syria’s Legal Community Grieves 6 Lost Lives
Ten lives were tragically cut short and 22 people were injured in a bomb attack on a bustling Damascus cafe. Six of the deceased were lawyers, turning a popular meeting spot into a scene of deep sorrow for Syria’s legal community.
The devastating explosion occurred on Thursday at the Al-Mushairiya Cafe, located on al-Nasr Street in the al-Hijaz district. This cafe is only about 70 meters from the Palace of Justice, a central hub for legal proceedings in the capital. Its close proximity made it a regular gathering place for legal professionals and court visitors.
On Friday, funeral processions moved through the Midan neighborhood. Families and community members carried the coffins of three victims, laying them to rest. The somber atmosphere reflected the shock and grief felt across the city.
The Syrian Bar Association announced the profound loss of its six members. The lawyers were identified as Muhannad Khalaf, Zuhair Askar, Hossam al-Safadi, Mahmoud al-Shamali, Muhammad Ali al-Shihab, and Eid Muhammad Awad. The association offered its condolences to their families, noting that these individuals died while performing their duties in the justice system.
Among those lost was Eid Muhammad, a father of six daughters and the primary financial provider for his family. He was reportedly reviewing legal documents at the cafe when the bomb detonated. Mahmoud Ali al-Shihab, 50, a married father of four daughters, also perished. Muhammad Saeed al-Shamali, whose son also practices law, was another casualty. Fathi Qabbani, who worked nearby, was killed as he walked past the cafe, with his brother describing the attackers as “terrorists.”
Damascus Governor Maher Marwan described the explosive device as “primitive.” He promised that those responsible for the attack would face justice. Syrian authorities confirmed the bomb was planted inside the cafe and detonated remotely, dispelling social media rumors of a suicide bombing.
However, no updates on the investigation have been released, and no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
The bombing has drawn strong condemnation from governments and international organizations. Turkiye, Iraq, Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan expressed their solidarity with Syria and condemned the violence. The European Union also issued a statement, describing the incident as a “terrorist attack” and offering sympathy to the victims and their families.
This incident marks a notable security challenge for the Syrian capital. It is among the most serious since a new government took power in December 2024, following the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad administration. Damascus has experienced other security incidents in recent months, including a car bomb near the Ministry of Defence in May, which killed one soldier and injured eighteen people.
