18 Injured, including policemen, in two Damascus explosions

The Ministry of Interior of the interim government announced shortly ago that the casualty toll from the two Damascus explosions has reached 18 injured, including four police officers. This marks the first official count regarding the incident, which occurred near the Ministry of Tourism in the capital's center.

In a statement reported by SANA, the Ministry said that "Internal Security Forces detected the two explosive devices during field operations, and specialized units began taking the necessary measures to dismantle them; however, they detonated while preparations for dismantling were underway."

It added that "the two explosions occurred near the Ministry of Tourism, where Internal Security Forces established a security cordon around the site to ensure civilian safety, while specialized units continue sweeping and securing the area."

"Preliminary inspection revealed that the devices were crudely made; the first was placed inside a car parked by the roadside, while the second was planted inside a trash bin," the Ministry explained, noting that investigations are ongoing to uncover the circumstances of the attack and identify those responsible.

Although the incident coincided with French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Damascus, the Ministry of Interior confirmed that the blast site was outside the security perimeter designated for the French President's residence. It posed no direct threat to the residence or the official visit schedule, which is proceeding according to plan.

Earlier, the sound of explosions had been heard in Damascus near Victoria Bridge, Umayyad Square, and the Ministry of Tourism, before authorities later confirmed that the source was the detonation of two explosive devices.

Sh-S

ANHA