Macron safe after explosions in Syrian capital during French president's visit

French President Emmanuel Macron is secure following reports of explosions in central Damascus on Tuesday morning, the Elysee Palace announced. Macron is in the Syrian capital for discussions with his counterpart, Ahmed al-Sharaa, at the presidential palace.

A security source informed the BBC that two explosive devices caused the blasts, resulting in injuries to several individuals. Macron is scheduled to travel to Turkey for a NATO summit after his visit to Syria. The Elysee Palace stated that the visit "continues as planned."

Social media videos captured plumes of smoke and flames emanating from a vehicle near a hotel in Damascus shortly after the explosion reports emerged. Concurrently, Syrian state television reported that al-Sharaa had welcomed Macron at the presidential palace.

BBC Verify analyzed footage of the explosions, determining they occurred approximately 125 meters from the Four Seasons hotel on Shoukry al-Quowatly, a main thoroughfare. Macron's officials indicated that the French president did not hear any explosions en route to his meeting.

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The visit continues as planned.