Explosions have been heard in the Syrian capital of Damascus near a hotel where French president Emmanuel Macron was due to be staying, a security source has said. Roads ‌were sealed off and security ‌measures were implemented after ‌the blast.A witness ⁠heard explosions in the vicinity and smoke was seen rising, according to Reuters news agency. The French president did not hear any explosions while on his way to meet Sharaa, the Elysee palace said.Smoke and fire rise at the site where explosive devices blew up near a hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was meant to be staying (Reuters)Macron was received by the Syrian president soon after the explosions occurred, according to Syrian state TV, making him the first major western leader to visit the war-torn country since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in 2024.Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky visited in April but Macron is the first leader from western Europe or North America to do so.France's President Emmanuel Macron (L) shakes hands with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa ahead of their meeting at the People's Palace in Damascus (AFP/Getty)The French president’s visit comes during a period of relative calm in the Middle East after the monthlong war in Iran and Lebanon. He will travel next to Ankara, Turkey, for the Nato summit, where Syrian president Ahmad al-Sharaa is also expected to attend and hold a high-profile meeting with US president Donald Trump.More follows on this breaking news story...