At least 18 people have been injured after explosive devices detonated in central Damascus, according to Syrian media reports, with the blasts occurring near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying during his visit to Syria.
Syria’s state news agency reported that security forces discovered two explosive devices and that they detonated while specialist teams were attempting to neutralise them. One device was reportedly hidden inside a parked vehicle, while another was placed in a waste container.
Macron, who was in Damascus for talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace, was not affected by the explosions. Officials confirmed that the French president was safe and did not hear the blasts.
Four police officers were among those injured, while Syria’s Interior Ministry launched an investigation to identify those behind the incident.
Images and videos circulating online showed smoke and flames rising from a vehicle in the Syrian capital. Analysis indicated that the explosions occurred about 125 metres from the Four Seasons Hotel, located along a major road in Damascus.
Despite the incident, Macron continued his diplomatic engagements, stating that nothing could weaken Syrians’ desire for a secure, united and sovereign country.
The French president arrived in Syria on Monday evening, becoming the first European Union leader to visit the country since al-Sharaa took power following the collapse of the Assad government in December 2024.
The visit highlights Syria’s efforts to rebuild international relations after years of isolation. Discussions are expected to focus on security challenges, economic recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Syria continues to face major security threats from various militant groups, including Islamic State, which has claimed responsibility for recent attacks targeting government interests.
The country has also experienced violence involving pro-government forces and minority communities, while recent attacks have raised concerns over ongoing instability.
Earlier this month, a bomb explosion at a busy café in central Damascus reportedly killed at least nine people and injured more than 20 others.
