Syria authorities say captured ISIL-linked cell behind blasts
Syrian security personnel inspect a burned vehicle near the Four Seasons Hotel after two explosions rocked the area earlier while Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa was meeting French President Emmanuel Macron at the presidential palace, in Damascus, Syria, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo)
Syrian officials said late on July 9 the country had captured an ISIL-linked cell responsible for two bomb blasts during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Damascus earlier this week.
The attacks cast a shadow over the first trip by a European Union head of state since Bashar al-Assad was toppled in late 2024, as President Ahmed al-Sharaa tries to rebuild the country's image after more than a decade of conflict.
In a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart, Macron said we must "not let ourselves be destabilized" by such attacks, and the two leaders vowed to boost ties with new ambassadors to be installed in each country.
