Damascus Blasts Explosions Rock Syrian Capital During Macron Visit
Emergency teams respond after explosions struck central Damascus during President Emmanuel Macron's visit.
Damascus Blasts injured at least 18 people on Tuesday after two explosions struck near a hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron had been holding meetings during his official visit to Syria.
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Syrian state media said the blasts occurred in a busy area between the Ministry of Tourism and the National Museum, close to the Four Seasons Hotel. Macron had met civil society representatives there before leaving for the presidential palace.
Macron Continues Visit
The first explosion happened shortly after Macron’s motorcade departed for a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
France’s presidency said the explosions were not audible from the presidential convoy. Officials confirmed that Macron continued his schedule and later met President Sharaa as planned.
Macron is the first leader of a major European Union country to visit Syria since rebel forces led by Ahmed al-Sharaa overthrew former president Bashar al-Assad in 2024.
At Least 18 People Injured
Syrian state media reported that the explosions injured 18 people, including four police officers.
Video footage from the scene showed flames and thick black smoke rising after the second explosion. The blast occurred near an ambulance that had arrived after the first incident.
Emergency crews quickly responded to the area and worked to extinguish the fire while treating the injured.
Security Forces Launch Investigation
Syrian security forces sealed off the area and launched a search operation to identify those responsible.
State-run Al-Ekhbariya TV quoted a security source as saying investigators were gathering evidence and reviewing the incident.
Authorities have not announced any arrests, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Security Concerns Persist
The explosions highlight the security challenges facing Syria despite recent political changes.
Last week, a bomb attack at a café in Damascus killed nine people and injured 20 others.
The militant group Islamic State has claimed responsibility for several attacks on Syrian government forces in recent months.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa has pledged to build an inclusive political system following the fall of Bashar al-Assad. However, sporadic violence and security threats continue to test the country’s transition.
