Woman injured in explosion in Syrian capital

ISTANBUL

A woman was injured Friday in an explosion in the Mezzeh district of Damascus, Syrian state media reported, as authorities said they were investigating the cause of the blast. Initial information confirmed the woman was wounded in the explosion, which was heard across the Mezzeh area, said state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).

A security source told state TV channel al-Ikhbariya that the explosion struck a home in the Mezzeh 86 neighborhood and was the result of an attack by unidentified assailants.

The source said security forces have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the incident and are pursuing those responsible. A military source told SANA that rockets were fired from a mobile launcher in the attack.

The source said the party behind the attack and the exact weapons "remain unknown so far.” The source said “significant efforts” are being made to follow up on all aspects of the attack and “provide the public with full details.”

The Defense Ministry’s media and communications directorate, according to SANA, provided further details, saying the capital “was subjected to a treacherous attack” involving two Katyusha rockets launched from the outskirts of the city toward residential neighborhoods in Mezzeh and its surroundings.

The ministry said the rockets injured several civilians and caused property damage. It said it has opened an investigation with the Interior Ministry to determine the trajectory of the rockets, identify launch sites and collect evidence.

It vowed to pursue those responsible and “take deterrent measures against anyone who tampers with the security of the capital and targets the lives and stability of Syrians.”

The explosion comes as Syria’s new administration attempts to tighten security across the country following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad last December after 24 years in power.

Assad fled to Russia, marking the end of the Baath Party’s rule since 1963. A transitional administration headed by President Ahmed Al-Sharaa took office in January.