Two explosions struck central Damascus on Tuesday during French President Emmanuel Macron’s historic visit to Syria, injuring at least 18 people and underscoring the country’s fragile security situation.
The blasts occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel, where Macron had been staying, shortly after his motorcade left for talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Syrian authorities said explosive devices had been hidden in a parked vehicle and a rubbish bin. Four police officers were among those injured. Macron was not harmed and continued his scheduled meetings.
The visit marks the first by a major European Union leader since the fall of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in 2024. During the talks, France reaffirmed its support for Syria’s reconstruction, security cooperation and renewed diplomatic ties, with both countries announcing plans to exchange ambassadors.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. The explosions came less than a week after another deadly bombing in Damascus, highlighting the ongoing security challenges facing Syria’s new leadership despite efforts to restore international relations.
