Syrian Defence Ministry denies reports of explosions at General Staff building

The Syrian Ministry of Defence has denied reports of explosions allegedly occurring at the General Staff building of the Armed Forces in central Damascus.

The ministry issued a statement on its official Facebook page, refuting the claims, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

The statement described the reports as fabrications, stating that "terrorist organizations and their operational centers have broadcast false, fabricated videos about explosions at the General Staff building in the heart of Damascus."

“Terrorist organizations and their operating rooms broadcast false and fabricated videos about explosions at the Arkan headquarters in central Damascus.

The General leadership calls on all citizens to be aware of these lies and to know their dimensions, which are aimed at spreading chaos and panic among civilians in the context of the psychological war parallel to the terrorist war,” the ministry said.

The Ministry of Defence emphasized that the rebels are attempting to "sow chaos and panic among civilians" through a disinformation campaign.

In an official address on December 5 evening, Syrian Defence Minister Ali Mahmoud Abbas warned citizens of the Arab Republic that extremist groups might attempt to spread false statements or orders purportedly issued by the Armed Forces General Command. He also cautioned that these groups could circulate manipulated audio or video content created using artificial intelligence technologies. Minister Abbas urged both civilians and military personnel to remain vigilant, advising them not to believe such misinformation and to rely solely on information disseminated through official national channels.

There were reports on a screenshot of a deleted report on a military coup took place inside the headquarters of the army's General Staff , which was published on December 6 on the ministry's official website and then deleted after a few seconds, indicating pivotal events in the coming hours and days.

The Ministry of Defense denied the reports of the explosions and said that they were false and fake news, despite the camera footage that was monitored by residents of the area in the upscale Adnan Al-Makli neighborhood and near the Umayyad Square.

The deleted statement from the ministry said that thwarting this plot comes to protect internal security and confront any attempts to conspire against the country.

Activists have been circulating for hours footage showing an explosion and sounds of clashes in front of the General Staff building.

By Vafa Guliyeva