French President Emmanuel Macron’s landmark visit to Syria was overshadowed on Tuesday after two explosions rocked central Damascus, injuring at least 18 people, including four police officers.
The blasts occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel, where the French leader had stayed overnight before departing for the presidential palace to hold talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
French officials confirmed that Macron had already left the hotel before the explosions and was not in danger. His official programme continued as scheduled.
According to Syria’s Interior Ministry, the explosions were caused by two improvised explosive devices. One device had been concealed inside a parked vehicle, while the second was hidden in a rubbish container.
Authorities said security personnel had identified the devices and were attempting to neutralise them when they detonated.
The explosions sent thick plumes of smoke into the air and prompted a swift response from emergency services and security forces.
Roads surrounding the area were immediately sealed off as ambulances rushed the injured to nearby hospitals. Several buildings sustained damage, including shattered windows near the blast sites.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, and Syrian authorities have launched an investigation to determine those behind the bombings.
Despite the incident, Macron proceeded with his meetings in Damascus, including talks focused on Syria’s reconstruction, economic recovery, regional security, and strengthening diplomatic ties between France and Syria.
The visit is regarded as historic, making Macron the first Western European leader to visit Syria since the political transition that followed the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad’s government in 2024.
The explosions, however, underscored the continuing security challenges facing the country as it seeks to rebuild after years of conflict.
