Explosion in Syria is Not Related to Terrorism
The Claim
A video depicts a suicide bomber outside the presidential palace in Damascus, Syria.
News posted on
Emerging story
Social media users are circulating a video of a suicide bomber. The graphic video shows a bomb detonating and commotion ensuing. Users claim the incident took place at the gate of Assad’s Presidential Palace in Damascus, Syria.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the claim using a search of relevant keywords in both English and Arabic. The results revealed a news report in Arabic on Sky News Arabia and Syria HR. The report indicated that the incident occurred outside the Justice Palace in coastal Tartus in Syria on 23 September. The reports further add that according to the Syrian Ministry of the Interior, Yahya detonated a hand grenade due to family disputes. The bombs resulted in the death of a lawyer and the man who threw them. Other members of the public close by were injured and taken to hospital.
The Presidential Palace is a large building made of white marble, as seen in the image below, and looks nothing like the building in the video, which is also pictured below.
Furthermore, it is not likely that people would be allowed to gather outside due to the high-security measures.
