Preliminary Investigation Links July Bombing in Damascus to ISIS

Syrian officials reported on Thursday that an initial investigation into the July 7 bombing in Damascus, which coincided with French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit, indicates that a terrorist group associated with Islamic State was involved.

The police have detained several suspects in connection to this cell.

On that Tuesday, two explosions rocked Damascus just before Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharah, was scheduled to meet President Macron. One blast occurred near the Ministry of Tourism, while the other took place close to the Four Seasons Hotel, where Macron was reportedly staying.

Syria’s interior ministry clarified that the bomb near the hotel detonated “outside the security zone designated for the French presidential residence” and emphasized there was no “direct threat” to Macron or his staff, particularly since he had already departed for discussions with Sharaha.

The police described the bomb as “primitive,” and it detonated during attempts by explosives experts to defuse it. The incident resulted in one death and left 36 others injured, with most casualties being members of the security forces.

Brigadier General Ahmad Al Darati, Commander of the Syrian National Police, stated that investigations unveiled an ISIS-linked cell as the perpetrators. He mentioned that one member of the group had been identified through CCTV footage and was being monitored to uncover the identities of other associates.

Interior Minister Annas Khattab announced that multiple members had been arrested in raids conducted across the Damascus countryside.

“The cell responsible for the bombing in Damascus two days ago is currently in our custody,” Khattab confirmed.

He also noted that further information about the suspects and their terrorist organization would be disclosed upon the completion of the investigation.

A statement from the Home Office indicated that the raids took place in four districts “spanning Damascus and its countryside,” including two areas primarily inhabited by Alawites, the Shiite Muslim minority that has backed dictator Bashar al-Assad.

The Alawite community has faced criticism for allegedly supporting Assad and harboring extremists like those from ISIS, leading to some resentment from other groups in Syria.