Two Explosions Rock Damascus Near Hotel Hosting Macron's Meetings
Two improvised explosive devices detonated near Syria's Ministry of Tourism and the Four Seasons hotel in Damascus on Tuesday, injuring 18 people, including four police officers. French President Emmanuel Macron was at the presidential palace at the time, visiting for the first time since the fall of the Assad regime.
Two Explosions Shock Damascus During Macron's Visit
Damascus was shaken by two explosions on Tuesday morning close to the Four Seasons hotel, where French President Emmanuel Macron had been holding meetings. The blasts occurred near Syria's Ministry of Tourism, according to officials. The Syrian Interior Ministry reported that 18 people were injured, among them four police officers. Both devices were improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The first was hidden inside a trash container, and the second was placed in a parked car, detonating as an ambulance approached a few meters away.
At the time of the explosions, Macron was at the presidential palace for an expanded meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and his delegation, as confirmed by an Elysée official. This visit marks the first time a European head of state has come to Damascus since 2024, when opposition groups led by al-Sharaa ousted Bashar al-Assad's administration. Macron's trip was intended to highlight the transformation of Syrian politics under the new leadership, which has been working to establish positive relations with Western powers.
The attack, while not targeting Macron directly, underscores the security challenges facing Syria as it seeks to rebuild international ties. No group has claimed responsibility for the explosions. The investigation is ongoing.
