Explosions shook central Damascus on Tuesday as French President Emmanuel Macron continued his official visit to Syria, marking the first trip by a Western European head of state since the country’s new authorities came to power. Despite the blast, Macron’s schedule continued as planned, including his meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the Presidential Palace.
The explosions occurred shortly after Macron entered the palace for talks with al-Sharaa. The blasts were reported near the Four Seasons Hotel Damascus, where Syrian media said the French president had stayed overnight, and close to the Ministry of Tourism in a busy area of the capital.
According to Syrian state media, the explosions were caused by improvised explosive devices hidden in two locations: one placed inside a trash bin and another concealed in a vehicle. Witnesses reported hearing two powerful blasts, while a large cloud of smoke was seen rising from the area.
Footage shared widely on social media showed a vehicle and a motorcycle on fire, as well as blood stains visible on the street. Syrian officials said 18 people were injured in the attack, including four police officers. No deaths were reported immediately, and no group had claimed responsibility for the explosions.
