Explosions Near Hotel in Damascus During Macron's Visit Injure 18

An explosion occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus on Tuesday, where French President Emmanuel Macron had stayed prior to a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The blasts took place while Macron was approximately 10 kilometers away at the Presidential Palace, and he was unharmed, according to the Élysée Palace.

The Syrian Arab News Agency reported that two explosions happened within eight minutes of each other as security officers attempted to dismantle explosive devices, resulting in injuries to 18 individuals, including four police officers. An investigation into the incidents has been initiated.

Macron's visit marks a significant moment as he is the first Western leader to visit Syria since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. Following the explosions, he expressed solidarity with the aspirations of the Syrian people for a safe and united country.

In a statement, Syrian President al-Sharaa condemned the attacks and vowed that those responsible would be apprehended. The blasts come less than a week after a separate attack in the capital that resulted in nine fatalities and 22 injuries. No group has claimed responsibility for the recent explosions.