DAMASCUS: Eighteen people were injured on Tuesday after two explosive devices detonated in central Damascus near a hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying, according to Syrian state media.
The state news agency, Sana, reported that security forces had detected the devices, which subsequently exploded as specialized units attempted to defuse them. One device was concealed inside a parked vehicle, while the second was hidden in a waste bin.
President Macron, who was in the capital for diplomatic talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace, was reported safe by French officials, who noted he did not hear the blasts. Following his trip to Syria, Macron is scheduled to travel to Turkey for a NATO summit.
The Syrian interior ministry has launched an investigation to identify the perpetrators. Officials confirmed that four police officers were among those injured.
Details of the Incident
Social media footage from Tuesday morning showed smoke and flames rising from a vehicle near a thoroughfare in the capital. According to eyewitness accounts, the initial blast caused material damage but no immediate casualties. The second explosion occurred approximately 20 meters away as security forces searched the area for additional suspicious objects, causing injuries to public security and traffic police personnel.
A BBC Verify analysis placed the location of the explosions approximately 125 meters from the Four Seasons hotel.
Despite the incident, diplomatic proceedings continued. Syrian state television broadcasted President al-Sharaa welcoming the French president shortly after the reports emerged. Macron later released a statement on social media reaffirming his commitment to the visit and expressing support for Syrian sovereignty, safety, and unity.
Regional Context and Security Challenges
Macron arrived in Syria on Monday evening, marking the first visit by a European Union leader since President al-Sharaa assumed power following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024. The diplomatic visit signifies an effort to reintegrate Syria into the international community after years of global isolation.
President al-Sharaa, a former insurgent commander, has pledged to unify the nation following thirteen years of civil war and five decades of rule under the Assad family. However, the recent bombings highlight the significant security challenges currently facing the new administration. The government continues to confront threats from various militant factions, including the Islamic State group, which has claimed responsibility for multiple recent attacks against government targets.
The security situation follows prior violence involving pro-government forces and minority groups, as well as a separate bombing at a Damascus cafe earlier this month that resulted in nine fatalities and 22 injuries.
In addition to security coordination, Macron's visit is aimed at addressing Syria's severe economic crisis, with national reconstruction serving as a primary focus of the bilateral discussions.