Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleExplosions were reported in the Syrian capital of Damascus near a hotel where French president Emmanuel Macron was scheduled to stay, prompting security measures and road closures. The French President, however, did not hear the blasts while travelling to meet Syrian President Sharaa, according to the Elysee Palace. Macron's visit marks him as the first major Western leader to travel to the war-torn country since the removal of Bashar al-Assad in 2024. This visit takes place amidst a period of relative calm in the Middle East, following a month-long conflict involving Iran and Lebanon. Macron is set to proceed to Ankara for the Nato summit, where Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is also anticipated to attend and hold a high-profile meeting with US President Donald Trump. In fullExplosive devices blow up near hotel where Macron is staying in DamascusMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Explosions rock Damascus near French President Emmanuel Macron’s hotel
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleExplosions were reported in the Syrian capital of Damascus near a hotel where French president Emmanuel Macron was scheduled to stay, prompting security measures and road closures. The French President, however, did not hear the blasts while travelling to meet Syrian President Sharaa, according to the Elysee Palace. Macron's visit marks him as the first major Western leader to travel to the war-torn country since the removal of Bashar al-Assad in 2024. This visit takes place amidst a period of relative calm in the Middle East, following a month-long conflict involving Iran and Lebanon. Macron is set to proceed to Ankara for the Nato summit, where Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is also anticipated to attend and hold a high-profile meeting with US President Donald Trump. In fullExplosive devices blow up near hotel where Macron is staying in DamascusMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
