Two loud explosions rocked Syria’s capital, Damascus, on Tuesday during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit. The blasts occurred near the Ministry of Tourism, within the proximity of the hotel where Macron was meant to be staying during a visit to the capital for talks with his Syrian counterpart, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The explosions highlight the fragile security situation in Syria during a world leader’s visit.
French President Macron on Syria visit
Macron is the first leader of a major European Union country to visit Syria since President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s rebel alliance overthrew Bashar al-Assad in 2024.
According to Syria’s state news agency, at least 18 people were injured in the blasts, including four police officers.
The first explosion reportedly occurred shortly after Macron’s motorcade had left for the presidential palace, according to Reuters.
The second blast, as per Reuters, erupted just a few metres away from the first explosion, near an ambulance parked at the scene, where around two dozen people had gathered.
Thick black smoke and flames were seen rising near nearby shops as emergency teams rushed to extinguish the fire and assist the injured.
Despite the explosions, Macron’s convoy had already moved away. The French Presidency said neither the president nor the accompanying press delegation heard the blasts or witnessed any disturbance, and the leader remains safe.
The French President continued with his scheduled meetings, including talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and other senior government and military officials.
Syrian security forces launched search operations to identify those behind the attacks. Authorities also sealed off roads around the blast site and tightened security.
Macron’s visit was aimed at supporting Syria’s political transition under Sharaa, who has strengthened ties with Western and Middle Eastern countries after the fall of the Assad government.
Syria, however, continues to face serious security threats after more than 13 years of conflict, during which militant groups, including the Islamic State (ISIS), established a presence in the country. Last week, a bomb blast at a café in Damascus killed nine people and injured 20 others. No group claimed responsibility.
