Developing
BREAKING: IED detonated near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus
This is a developing story. More details will be published as they become available.
An explosion was heard and confirmed near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus, Syria, earlier today (Sunday).
The blast occurred under the Freedom Bridge (Jisr al-Hurriya) in a garden area adjacent to the hotel, which is known to host government officials and diplomats.
Multiple sources describe it as a sound bomb (or stun device) rather than a high-explosive IED, with only minor material damage reported, no casualties or injuries have been noted so far.
Security forces quickly responded, securing the area and investigating.
Visuals from the scene show a small crater in the greenery, scattered debris, and personnel gathering without apparent panic or major disruption.
The incident comes amid preparations for tomorrow's "Liberation Day" celebrations (marking the anniversary of the fall of the Assad regime on December 8, 2024), and some observers suggest it may be an attempt to sow fear or disrupt public gatherings.
No group has claimed responsibility, and speculation on X points to possible involvement by remnants of pro-Assad forces, Kurdish-linked groups, or other actors, though nothing is confirmed.
This fits a pattern of sporadic security incidents in Damascus since the regime change, but it's relatively minor compared to past events like airstrikes or larger bombings.