Two explosions shook the Syrian capital Damascus on Tuesday, wounding 18 people, including four police officers, according to the Syrian Interior Ministry. The blasts occurred near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying during an official visit, but the Élysée Palace confirmed that Macron is safe and unharmed.
The explosions were heard in the central district of Damascus, close to the hotel where Macron had spent the night. The French president was at the presidential palace at the time of the blasts, holding talks with his Syrian counterpart, Ahmad al-Charaa. The Élysée Palace stated that Macron is «sain et sauf» (safe and sound) and that his visit continues as planned.
The Syrian Interior Ministry provided the initial casualty figure, reporting 18 wounded individuals, among them four police officers. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, and the area was cordoned off as investigations began. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, and the motive remains unclear.
Macron’s visit to Syria is the first by a French president in over a decade, marking a significant diplomatic engagement with the post-war government led by Ahmad al-Charaa. The visit aims to discuss bilateral relations, reconstruction efforts, and regional stability. The explosions, however, underscore the persistent security challenges in the country, which has been devastated by a prolonged civil war.
The French delegation confirmed that Macron’s schedule remains unchanged. He is expected to continue meetings with Syrian officials and visit cultural sites in Damascus. The Élysée Palace emphasized that security measures for the president are robust and that the situation is under control.
The blasts occurred in a neighborhood that houses several diplomatic missions and hotels, an area that has seen relative calm in recent years. The attack is a stark reminder of the fragile security environment in Syria, even as the government seeks to reassert control and attract foreign investment and diplomatic recognition.
International reactions have been cautious, with several governments condemning the violence and expressing relief that Macron was not harmed. The United Nations called for a thorough investigation and urged all parties to ensure the safety of diplomatic personnel.
Macron’s visit comes at a time when Syria is slowly emerging from a decade-long conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced millions. The French president has advocated for a political solution and has pushed for accountability for war crimes. His presence in Damascus is seen as a test of Syria’s willingness to engage with the international community.
The explosions have not derailed the visit, but they have cast a shadow over the proceedings. Security forces have been deployed in larger numbers around the presidential palace and key government buildings. The Syrian government has promised to bring those responsible to justice.
As Macron continues his diplomatic engagements, the world watches to see whether this incident will affect the trajectory of Franco-Syrian relations. For now, the French president remains focused on his agenda, while Syrian authorities work to contain the fallout from the attack.