Explosions Injure 18 in Damascus During Macron’s Visit

DAMASCUS, Syria Eighteen people were injured on Tuesday after two explosive devices detonated in central Damascus, reportedly near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron had been staying during his landmark visit to Syria.

According to Syria’s state news agency SANA, security forces discovered two explosive devices and were attempting to defuse them when they exploded. One device had been hidden inside a parked vehicle, while the second was concealed in a nearby rubbish bin.

French officials confirmed that President Macron was safe and did not hear the explosions. He had been meeting Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa at the presidential palace at the time of the incident.

Syrian authorities said four police officers were among those injured, while the Interior Ministry launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the attack.

Witnesses Describe Two Blasts

Videos and photographs circulating on social media showed thick smoke and flames rising from a vehicle near a hotel in the Syrian capital.

An eyewitness told BBC Arabic’s Middle East Daily that they were standing outside the Ministry of Tourism headquarters when the first explosion occurred.

The witness said security personnel began searching the surrounding area for additional suspicious objects after the initial blast, but a second explosion occurred roughly 20 metres away.

“The first explosion caused material damage but no casualties. The second explosion, however, caused injuries to several members of the public security forces and the traffic police,” the eyewitness said.

BBC Verify later determined that the explosions occurred about 125 metres from the Four Seasons Hotel, situated along one of Damascus’ main thoroughfares.

Macron Continues Visit

Despite the attack, President Macron continued with his visit.

In a statement posted on social media, he said:

“Nothing can smother the aspiration of Syrian women and men to live in a fully sovereign, safe, pluralistic, and united Syria.”

He added:

“This morning I met Syria in all its diversity. I saw dignity, courage, and determination. My visit continues.”

Macron arrived in Damascus on Monday evening, becoming the first European Union leader to visit Syria since President Ahmed al Sharaa assumed power following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.

After concluding his visit to Syria, Macron is expected to travel to Turkey to attend the NATO summit.

Security Challenges Persist

The bombings highlight the continuing security threats facing Syria’s new authorities as they attempt to stabilize the country after years of conflict.

Officials continue to battle militant groups, including the Islamic State (IS), which has claimed responsibility for several attacks targeting government institutions in recent months.

The country has also witnessed deadly violence involving pro government forces and religious and ethnic minority communities, leaving hundreds dead over the past year.

Earlier this month, a bomb explosion at a crowded café in central Damascus killed at least nine people and injured 22 others, according to Syrian state media.

Beyond security concerns, Macron’s visit has also focused on Syria’s struggling economy, with reconstruction and international cooperation expected to feature prominently in discussions with Syrian leaders.

Source: BBC News