Syria arrests cell members behind Damascus bombings

• Syrian authorities say initial investigations linked the cell behind Tuesday’s Damascus bombings to Daesh.
• Security forces launched raids in several areas, arresting dozens and seizing weapons and ammunition.

Syrian security forces have arrested dozens of people suspected of involvement in the Damascus bombings that targeted the capital earlier this week, authorities said.

The initial investigation into the cell responsible for the two explosions found that its members were affiliated with Daesh, Brigadier General Ahmad Al-Dalati, head of internal security in Damascus countryside, said on Syrian state television late Thursday.

The arrests came as internal security forces carried out a major operation in the Ash al-Warwar area of Damascus, seizing large quantities of weapons and ammunition.

Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab said the entire cell responsible for the attacks had been dismantled.

"The cell responsible for the terrorist explosions that targeted Damascus two days ago is now in our custody," Khattab said in a post on X, adding that authorities would reveal the suspects’ identities and connections after investigations were completed.

The Interior Ministry said the operation was conducted in coordination with the General Intelligence Directorate and included simultaneous raids in several locations, including Qudsaya suburb, Sayyida Zaynab, Al-Qutayfah, and Ash al-Warwar.

The two explosions took place Tuesday near a luxury hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron stayed during his historic visit to Damascus.

The attacks were carried out using two explosive devices, one placed in a garbage container and another inside a parked vehicle, according to Syrian authorities.

The blasts killed one person and injured 36 others, the Health Ministry said.

The explosions occurred shortly after Macron’s convoy left the hotel heading to the presidential palace for talks with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa.

Al-Sharaa praised Macron’s decision to continue his visit despite the attack, while the French president reaffirmed his support for Syria’s new authorities and said such attacks would not undermine the country’s stability.