Several people were injured after two explosive devices detonated in central Damascus on Tuesday, close to the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron had been staying during his official visit to Syria.
A Syrian security source said the blasts were caused by two explosive devices. Syrian state media reported that at least 18 people, including four police officers, were injured in the incident.
President Macron was at the presidential palace for talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa when the explosions occurred. French officials confirmed that Macron was safe, adding that he neither heard the blasts nor was affected by the incident.
The Elysee Palace said the French president’s visit would continue as scheduled before he departs for Turkey to attend the NATO summit.
Videos and photographs circulating on social media showed thick smoke and flames rising from a vehicle near the Four Seasons Hotel in central Damascus, prompting heightened security across the area.
According to BBC, the explosions occurred about 125 metres from the hotel on one of the capital’s main roads.
Following the blasts, Macron reaffirmed his support for Syria’s future in a message posted on social media.
“Nothing can smother the aspiration of Syrian women and men to live in a fully sovereign, safe, pluralistic and united Syria,” he wrote, adding: “This morning I met Syria in all its diversity. I saw dignity, courage and determination. My visit continues.”
Macron arrived in Damascus on Monday, becoming the first European Union leader to visit Syria since Ahmed al-Sharaa assumed power following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024. The visit is widely seen as a significant step in Syria’s gradual return to international diplomacy after years of isolation.
President al-Sharaa, who has pledged to reunify the country after more than a decade of civil war and decades of Assad family rule, continues to face major security and economic challenges.
