Blasts rock Damascus during French President Macron's visit

Explosions rocked the Syrian capital of Damascus on Tuesday near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying. A security source reported that bombs detonated in the vicinity, with one witness seeing smoke rise from the area. Roads were sealed off as security measures were implemented.

Despite the nearby blasts, the French president's office stated that Macron did not hear the explosions. He proceeded with his schedule, meeting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace shortly after the incidents. The blasts occurred while Macron was en route to the palace.

According to a Syrian security source speaking to AFP, one bomb was found in a dumpster and another was placed in a vehicle close to the Four Seasons Hotel. The security measures taken indicate the seriousness of the security challenges in the region. Macron's visit marks the first time a head of state from an EU country has visited Syria since rebels led by Sharaa overthrew Bashar al-Assad in 2024.

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The blasts underscore the major security challenges in Syria, where Macron is the first head of state of a European Union country to visit since rebels led by Sharaa toppled Bashar al-Assad in 2024.