Reports from multiple regional media outlets indicated that smoke was seen billowing from the vicinity of the Syrian Presidential Palace in Damascus shortly after noon on Wednesday. Separate accounts also described smoke rising from the nearby Syrian General Staff headquarters, suggesting a possible explosion or attack in the heavily fortified district. The Syrian government had not issued an official statement on the cause of the incident or any potential casualties as of early afternoon local time. State television did not immediately interrupt programming, and no group has claimed responsibility. The palace complex and adjoining military installations have been key security sites throughout Syria’s civil conflict, and any breach would mark a rare strike at the center of President Bashar al-Assad’s power. International diplomats in Damascus said they were seeking confirmation from Syrian authorities while monitoring for further developments.