Blast hit Damascus on second day of French President Macron’s Syria visit

Two bombs exploded near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying in Syria on Tuesday, according to a security source.

Officials said Macron had already left the hotel before the explosions and was on his way to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace.

The Elysee Palace said Macron did not hear the explosions, and his meeting with the Syrian president went ahead as planned.

A Reuters witness said explosions were heard in the area and smoke was seen rising into the sky. Security forces quickly sealed off nearby roads and increased security.

According to a Syrian security source, one bomb had been placed inside a dumpster, while the second was hidden in a vehicle near the Four Seasons Hotel.

A Reuters journalist traveling with Macron’s press group said they did not hear the explosions or notice any disruption during the president’s morning schedule.

Later, Syrian state television confirmed that Macron and President Ahmed al-Sharaa met at the presidential palace.

The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Syria. Macron is the first leader of a European Union country to visit Syria since rebels led by Ahmed al-Sharaa removed Bashar al-Assad from power in 2024.