Bombs exploded near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying in Syria on Tuesday, a security source said, but the Elysee reported that Macron did not hear the blasts and met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa soon afterward.
The blasts underscore the major security challenges in Syria, where Macron is the first head of state of a European Union country to visit since an anti-regime alliance led by al-Sharaa toppled long-time ruler Bashar Assad in 2024.
A Reuters witness heard explosions in the vicinity and saw smoke rising. Roads were sealed off and security measures were implemented, the security source said.
The Elysee said the blasts were not audible from the presidential motorcade and a Reuters journalist with the press group accompanying Macron did not hear the blast or see any commotion during the French president's morning events.
State television later reported that Macron and al-Sharaa had met at the Syrian Presidential Palace.
