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Associated Press

Explosions rocked Damascus on Tuesday as France’s president met with his Syrian counterpart in a landmark visit, wounding at least 18 people, Syria’s Interior Ministry said.
It was the second blast to rock the capital in a few days, and a setback for the country’s new president as he welcomed his first visit from a western leader since ousting long-time dictator Bashar al-Assad. Syria’s new rulers have wrestled with outbreaks of violence as they work to assert control, but the capital has been largely peaceful.
Emmanuel Macron was inside the presidential palace when the explosions happened. An official from the Elysee Palace said he was safe and that the meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa continued, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss Macron’s whereabouts and security.
“Nothing can smother the aspiration of Syrian women and men to live in a fully sovereign, safe, pluralistic, and united Syria,” Macron said in a post on X hours after the deadly explosions. “This morning I met Syria in all its diversity. I saw dignity, courage and determination.”
A large plume of smoke could be seen from the site of the explosion near the Four Seasons Hotel, where Syrian media reported Macron was staying. Footage widely circulated on social media showed a van and a motorcycle on fire and blood stains on the street in the area on a busy street near the headquarters of the Tourism Ministry and the Damascus National Museum.
The explosions represent a challenge to al-Sharaa, who came to power after leading an insurgency that ousted Bashar al-Assad in 2024 and ending the country’s 14-year uprising turned civil war. Assad’s dynasty ruled Syria with an iron fist for half a century.
Al-Sharaa has since pushed to assert full control over and bring stability to war-torn Syria, appeal to minorities sceptical of his Islamist-led rule, and win the support of Western governments who were concerned about his past leadership of the formerly al-Qaeda-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group. His government has promised political and economic reform after decades of autocratic rule.

Macron is the first major Western leader to visit Syria since Sharaa came to power and his visit comes before he heads to a Nato summit in Ankara, Turkey later on Tuesday. Macron also plans to hold a joint news conference with his Syrian counterpart.
Macron played a major role in pushing Europe and the United States to drop most sanctions on Syria. He arrived in the country on Monday night with an economic delegation, and is scheduled to sign memorandums of understanding with his counterpart as the battered country tries to lure investors to help it rebuild after 14 years of war.
The Interior Ministry in a statement reported by Syrian state media said that the two blasts in the heart of the capital were caused by explosive devices, one placed in a garbage bin and the other in a parked car.
It added that four of the wounded were police officers, and no deaths were immediately reported. An investigation is currently taking place at the scene of the attack. No group immediately claimed responsibility.
The incident comes days after an explosive device was detonated in a cafe near the Justice Palace in Damascus, killing at least 10 people and wounding more than 20.

While Syria’s new rulers have wrestled with violence involving different groups in the country as they work to assert control, the capital has largely been peaceful during the turbulent period.
The conflict in Syria killed nearly half a million people and displaced millions. Syria’s infrastructure lies in ruins, and while other nations and businesses have made large investment pledges, the country still needs hundreds of billions of dollars to rebuild and lift millions out of poverty.
Before arriving at the presidential palace, Macron met with members of Syrian civil society, though his office did not give details on who.


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Middle East

Explosions rock Damascus, wounding 18, as France’s Macron visits Syria

The scene of explosions in Damascus. Photo: Reuters

French President Emmanuel Macron and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the presidential palace in Damascus. Photo: AP

Syrian police and emergency personnel near the Four Seasons Hotel. Photo: AFP

France’s Macron becomes first Western head of state to visit post-Assad Syria

French President Emmanuel Macron, left, is welcomed by Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani at Damascus International Airport on Monday. Photo: AFP

France’s President Emmanuel Macron speaks with Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani next to France’s Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noel Barrot during a bilateral meeting. Photo: AFP

The Umayyad Mosque and the old neighbourhoods of Damascus. Photo: Reuters

French President Emmanuel Macron and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Cyprus, in April. Photo: AP

Bomb blast at Damascus cafe kills 9 near key government building

A member of the Syrian security forces keeps watch inside a Damascus cafe following a deadly bomb blast. Photo: dpa

Workers spray water at the site. Photo: dpa

Police near the site of the blast. Photo: Reuters

News

World

Explosions reported near the Four Seasons Hotel, where the French president was meant to ⁠be staying


Explosions reported near the Four Seasons Hotel, where the French president was meant to ⁠be staying.


Emmanuel Macron

France

Syria

Ahmad al-Sharaa

Explosions rock Damascus, wounding 18, as France’s Macron visits Syria

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Explosions reported near the Four Seasons Hotel, where the French president was meant to ⁠be staying

Explosions reported near the Four Seasons Hotel, where the French president was meant to ⁠be staying