Spokesperson: Damascus car bombing probe points to “specific party”

The spokesperson for the Syrian Ministry of Interior has said that initial investigations into a car bomb explosion in Damascus on May 19 have produced early leads, as authorities continue efforts to identify those responsible for the attack that killed a soldier and injured 23 others.

Speaking to state television, ministry spokesperson Nour al-Din al-Baba said investigators were pursuing what he described as a “specific party” behind the attack, without giving further details. He said preliminary evidence was being analysed as part of an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the bombing.

Al-Baba said the attack could be linked to remnants of the former regime, foreign militias, or extremist groups, adding that security forces were working towards eliminating what he described as terrorist activity in the country. He said the objective was to achieve “zero terrorist operations” within Syrian society.

He added that further details would be released in due course, including information on suspected cells, arrests, and methods allegedly used in the attack. According to him, security services had made progress despite ongoing challenges, with continued operations targeting armed networks across the country.

The Interior Ministry also said it was strengthening surveillance and tracking systems, improving training for security personnel, and incorporating modern technologies with support from domestic and international expertise.

It urged the public to report any suspicious activity, describing community cooperation as essential to its security strategy.

Authorities said they would continue efforts to dismantle suspected cells and enhance coordination between security agencies in order to maintain stability and protect civilians and infrastructure.

The blast occurred near a Ministry of Defence building in the Bab Sharqi area of the capital. Most of those injured were civilians, according to officials, and sustained varying degrees of injuries following the explosion.