Damascus: A soldier was martyred and several others were wounded after a car bomb exploded near a Defense Ministry building in the Bab Sharqi area of Damascus, the Defense Ministry's Media and Communication Directorate told SANA. The incident has raised concerns about security in the capital.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the directorate stated that a unit of the Syrian Arab Army had discovered an explosive device planted near the site and moved to dismantle it before the blast occurred. The operation was underway when the device detonated, resulting in the tragic loss and injuries.

Earlier reports from SANA had indicated that an explosion was heard on the outskirts of Damascus as authorities worked to determine its nature. The security forces are now investigating the incident to identify those responsible for the attack.