Two explosions rocked central Damascus on Tuesday, injuring at least 18 people near the venue where French President Emmanuel Macron was holding meetings during his landmark visit to Syria, authorities said.
The blasts occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel, where Macron had met representatives of Syrian civil society before travelling to the presidential palace for talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
According to Syria’s state news agency, 18 people were injured in the explosions, including four police officers. Emergency crews rushed to the scene to treat the wounded and extinguish fires as thick black smoke rose above nearby buildings.
Witnesses said the first explosion occurred shortly after Macron’s motorcade left for the presidential palace. Minutes later, a second blast struck near an ambulance that had arrived at the scene, sending bystanders fleeing as emergency personnel worked to secure the area.
Security forces swiftly sealed off surrounding roads and launched search operations to identify those responsible. Authorities said investigations are ongoing, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The French presidency said Macron neither heard the explosions nor experienced any disruption while travelling in his motorcade. He proceeded with his scheduled programme, meeting President al-Sharaa and other senior Syrian officials as planned.
Macron’s visit marks the first by the leader of a major European Union country since rebels led by al-Sharaa overthrew former President Bashar al-Assad in 2024. The trip is intended to demonstrate support for Syria’s political transition and encourage international engagement as the country works to rebuild after more than a decade of war.
The attack nevertheless highlights the fragile security situation in Syria. Last week, a bomb exploded at a café in Damascus, killing nine people and injuring 20 others. No group claimed responsibility for that incident.
The Islamic State militant group has claimed several attacks against Syrian government forces in recent months, underscoring the continuing security challenges confronting al-Sharaa’s administration as it seeks to stabilise the country and deliver on promises of a more inclusive political future.
Goodness Anunobi
