Two explosions detonated near central Damascus on Tuesday during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit, wounding at least 18 people. The blasts occurred outside the Four Seasons Hotel as Syria attempts to stabilize its political transition following the 2024 overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad regime.
Macron was unharmed in the incident. The French leader had already departed the hotel accommodation to hold scheduled talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace.
The Élysée Palace quickly addressed the security breach. A spokesperson released a statement confirming Macron’s safety and stating the official visit will proceed as planned. No organization has immediately claimed responsibility for the explosive devices.
Tuesday’s attack follows a separate bombing at a local café earlier this week that killed 10 people and injured 20 others. The recurring violence highlights the precarious physical security environment facing al-Sharaa’s government as it seeks international recognition.
Macron is currently the first EU leader to visit the country since rebel factions deposed the former government. The diplomatic mission aims to re-establish European engagement with Damascus and outline a framework for reconstruction efforts.
Several prominent French executives traveled alongside the political delegation. TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné and CMA CGM chief executive Rodolphe Saadé joined the trip to discuss post-war investment strategies, according to reporting by Al-Monitor regarding the bilateral meetings.