ByAMIT AVITAN, REUTERSJULY 7, 2026 10:25Updated: JULY 7, 2026 10:46Explosive devices blew up on Tuesday in Syria's capital, Damascus, near a hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was meant to be staying, a security source said.According to the sources, the explosions are believed to have been caused by an explosive device planted on a vehicle near the French president's hotel.Further explosions were reported near the Syrian Tourism Ministry, sources said.Roads were sealed off, and security measures were implemented after the blast, while a Reuters witness heard explosions in the vicinity and saw smoke rising.Macron becomes first EU leader to visit al-Sharaa's SyriaMacron's visit is the first one by a European Union head of state to Damascus since rebels led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa toppled Bashar al-Assad in 2024."I am here to affirm France's commitment to the Syrian people. For a sovereign Syria, united in its diversity and at peace with its neighbors. Together, let's open a new page of stability and peace," Macron said on X/Twitter.This is a developing story.Follow us on Google