A bomb blast near the Palace of Justice in Damascus kills nine people and injures 20, according to Syrian authorities. Multiple outlets report the blast occurs at or near a cafe in a busy area close to a key government building, prompting panic and emergency response. Syria’s interior ministry says the explosion is caused by an explosive device planted at the site, describing it as an improvised explosive device containing metal fragments that results in severe injuries and significant damage. State television similarly attributes the blast to an explosive device placed in the cafe area. The governor of Damascus, Maher Eldibi, says authorities launch an investigation and that those responsible will be punished, adding that attacks aim to destabilize periods of stability. No outlet reports an immediate claim of responsibility. An AFP correspondent and UN officials quoted by sources say perpetrators should be brought to justice. The incident is described as the deadliest since a suicide attack on a church last year.