An explosion in a suburb of Damascus killed at least one person and injured several others, according to Syrian state media and eyewitness reports. The blast occurred in Jaramana, a town located southeast of the Syrian capital, where residents and emergency responders quickly gathered at the scene.

Syrian state television, citing an unnamed security official, reported that the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device planted inside a minivan taxi. Syria’s Health Ministry confirmed that at least seven people were wounded in the attack. An Associated Press journalist at the site witnessed rescuers retrieving one body from the wreckage. Witnesses said the vehicle was carrying passengers when it exploded, and the blast was powerful enough to shake the busy commercial street where it occurred.

No organization has claimed responsibility for the attack. Jaramana is known for its significant Druze population and has experienced sectarian tensions between Druze residents and Sunni Muslim Syrians who support the Islamist-led government. These tensions escalated in April 2025 when clashes between Druze gunmen and pro-government forces resulted in at least 10 deaths.

This incident marks the third explosion in just over a month, reflecting ongoing instability as interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa consolidates his control over Syria. Al-Sharaa assumed power in December 2024 after leading an insurgency that toppled the Assad family’s more than 50-year rule. Since then, his administration has faced persistent security challenges.

Earlier in July, two other explosions during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron wounded at least 18 people. Those attacks involved explosive devices hidden in a garbage bin and a parked car, underscoring the fragile security environment.

Al-Sharaa has sought to strengthen his hold on the country while attempting to reach out to minority communities wary of his Islamist background. His government has also aimed to gain backing from Western nations, many of which remain cautious due to his previous leadership of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, a former Al Qaeda-affiliated organization. The interim government has pledged political and economic reforms following decades of authoritarian rule under the Assad regime.