A powerful explosion ripped through a busy café near Syria's central courthouse in Damascus, killing at least five people and injuring several others. Authorities say an improvised explosive device may have been hidden beneath a table before detonating in the crowded Al-Hijaz district. Security forces sealed off the area, deployed search teams and later announced the arrest of a suspect following a dramatic chase. With no group claiming responsibility, investigators are probing whether the attack was aimed at destabilising Syria as reconstruction efforts continue. Watch this report for the latest updates.

DAMASCUS -- Five people were killed and 16 others wounded on Thursday in an explosion inside a cafe in central Damascus, Syrian authorities said.

An explosion in a Damascus cafe has killed at least four people, according to a Syrian Health Ministry official.

Blast at a cafe reportedly wounded several people.