Breaking: Heavy Gunfire and Explosion Reported Near People's Palace in Damascus

Reports of intense gunfire and a possible explosion have emerged from the vicinity of the People's Palace, also known as the Presidential Palace, in the Syrian capital of Damascus.

The incident, which unfolded earlier today, has sparked unconfirmed speculation of an assassination attempt targeting a prominent figure close to transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) and local open-source intelligence accounts, an improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated along the Al-Mazeh-People’s Palace road as an unidentified convoy approached the palace, which overlooks the city from Mount Qasioun.

This was immediately followed by heavy exchanges of gunfire in the surrounding area, including near the Mazzeh 86 neighborhood.

Videos circulating on social media platforms appear to capture the sounds of rapid gunfire, though the exact source and targets remain unclear.

Security checkpoints in the area have reportedly been heightened, with reports of individuals being turned away from routes leading to the palace.

As of now, no casualties have been confirmed, and details about the convoy or any potential targets are scarce.

Syrian authorities have not released an official statement on the matter. However, a government source speaking to Al Arabiya TV denied any security incident occurring inside the Presidential Palace itself, dismissing circulating rumors.

This event comes amid ongoing instability in Syria following the transitional government's formation under President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The country has seen sporadic protests, sectarian tensions, and external military actions in recent months, including Israeli airstrikes and clashes in other regions.