Explosions shook Damascus near the Four Seasons hotel on Tuesday, where French President Emmanuel Macron was visiting. Reports from Syrian state media state that two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were involved, injuring 18 people, including four police officers.
The Interior Ministry indicated that the bombs went off as security forces were trying to defuse them. One bomb was hidden in a car, while the other was in a garbage can close to the hotel. Thankfully, Macron was not present during the explosions and continued his meetings with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
A spokesperson for Macron confirmed that he didn’t hear the blasts and continued the planned activities of the visit. In response to the situation, Macron shared a message on social media, emphasizing the resilience and aspirations of the Syrian people to live in a safe and united country.
The Syrian Interior Ministry reassured that the blasts occurred outside the designated security perimeter for the French president, meaning there was no immediate risk to his safety or the visit’s itinerary.
These explosions follow a recent attack in the city that killed at least nine people at a café. Syrian authorities are still looking into that incident and have yet to assign blame.
Macron’s visit marks a significant moment, as he is the first Western leader to meet with al-Sharaa since the latter’s presidency began in 2025. Despite past controversies regarding al-Sharaa’s history, this visit reflects ongoing efforts to engage with Syria’s current leadership.
