Shafaq News / Damascus (updated at 22:42)

A car explosion on Saturday rocked al-Mazzeh highway near the Golden Mazzeh Hotel, one of the busiest roads in central Damascus.

Syrian security forces later confirmed that the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) planted inside an old, long-abandoned vehicle — a vintage Austin model — parked near the highway.

Brigadier General Osama Muhammad Khair Atika, head of internal security in Damascus, said the explosion resulted in no casualties or significant material damage. He added that the bomb appeared to have been placed well in advance, and that the site is being thoroughly examined by specialized units to ensure public safety and rule out any additional threats.

Earlier today, a local source told Shafaq News that ambulances were dispatched to the location and security forces had sealed off the vicinity while launching an initial investigation.

انفـ ـجـ ـار سيارة بالقرب من فندق غولدن في #المزة pic.twitter.com/hQMP4ej4h1

— المرصد السوري لحقوق الإنسان (@syriahr) August 16, 2025