Explosions near hotel hosting French President Emmanuel Macron during Syria visit
Multiple explosive devices detonated near a hotel housing French President Emmanuel Macron in Syria's capital Damascus on Tuesday, triggering heightened security measures during his landmark visit to the country. There were no immediate reports of casualties or injuries, and Macron was reported to be safe.
According to security sources, the blasts occurred close to the hotel where Macron was staying while on an official visit to Damascus. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the area, prompting authorities to seal off nearby roads and tighten security around the French delegation.
The explosions took place as Macron was attending official engagements with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Syrian state media reported that the French leader continued with his scheduled meetings despite the incident. The cause of the blasts has not yet been officially confirmed, and an investigation is underway.
Macron's visit is the first by a Western European head of state since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2024. The trip is aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties, supporting Syria's reconstruction efforts and discussing regional security and economic cooperation with the new Syrian leadership.
The incident comes just days after a deadly bomb attack at a café in central Damascus killed several people, underlining the fragile security situation in Syria despite efforts by the new government to restore stability. Authorities have not indicated whether Tuesday's explosions were linked to that earlier attack.
