Explosions Reported Near Macron’s Hotel During Visit to Syria

Two explosions were reported in Damascus on Tuesday near the Ministry of Tourism headquarters, close to the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron had been staying during his visit to Syria. Local media said the blasts were caused by a series of explosive devices that detonated around the area shortly after Macron and his delegation had left the hotel.

According to preliminary reports, several people were injured in the explosions, although authorities have not yet released an official casualty toll or details on the extent of the damage. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident, and investigations into the cause of the blasts are underway.

The explosions prompted security forces to seal off surrounding roads and tighten security in the area. Macron, the first Western European leader to visit Syria since the 2024 ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, is in the country with a business delegation for talks on regional security, reconstruction, and investment opportunities.