Several killed after massive blast rocks Syrian capital Damascus

Five people were killed and more than 10 others were injured after an explosion rocked the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Thursday. Syrian state TV reported that the blast occurred inside a café.The explosion was caused by a bomb, according to media reports.Syrian state television said the blast occurred at a café frequented by lawyers near the Justice Palace in Damascus.

Following the explosion, Syria's Internal Security Forces cordoned off the area and blocked access to the site as security personnel launched an investigation, local media reported.The incident came on the same day that Lebanon and Syria signed an agreement in Beirut aimed at improving bilateral ties.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam hosted Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, with both sides agreeing to respect each other's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and to refrain from interference in internal affairs.Speaking after the signing, al-Shaibani said the two countries had also agreed to establish a high-level cooperation committee to strengthen relations.

"All we bring to Lebanon is love and a commitment to overcoming the painful legacy in relations between the two countries," he said.Catch the latest world news and top headlines. Download the TOI App.