Explosions Rock Damascus During Macron Visit
The Élysée Palace confirmed that Macron was unharmed and that his visit would continue as scheduled before he departs for Turkey to attend the NATO summit.
Smoke and flames rise from the scene after explosive devices detonated in central Damascus on Tuesday. Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
French President Emmanuel Macron was safe after explosions struck central Damascus on Tuesday morning while he was meeting Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the French presidency said.
The blasts occurred as Macron was holding talks with al-Sharaa at the presidential palace during the first visit to Syria by a European Union leader since the fall of former President Bashar Assad’s government.
The Élysée Palace confirmed that Macron was unharmed and that his visit would continue as scheduled before he departs for Turkey to attend the NATO summit.
“The visit continues as planned,” the French presidency said.
A Syrian security source told the BBC that the explosions were caused by two explosive devices and that several people were wounded. Authorities had not immediately released an official casualty figure or identified those responsible for the attack.
Explosions Near Diplomatic District
Videos circulating on social media showed thick plumes of black smoke rising above central Damascus as flames engulfed a vehicle near the Four Seasons Hotel, an area frequently used by diplomats, international organizations and visiting foreign officials.
BBC Verify, using geolocation analysis of video footage, said the explosions occurred approximately 125 meters (410 feet) from the Four Seasons Hotel along Shoukry al-Quowatly Street, one of the Syrian capital’s main thoroughfares.
French officials said Macron neither heard nor witnessed the explosions while traveling to the presidential palace.
Syrian state television continued broadcasting images of al-Sharaa welcoming Macron shortly after reports of the blasts emerged, indicating that the presidential meeting was not interrupted.
Security forces quickly sealed off sections of central Damascus as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
Historic Diplomatic Visit
Macron arrived in Syria on Monday evening, becoming the first leader from the European Union to visit the country since the collapse of Assad’s more than two-decade rule.
The visit is viewed as a significant diplomatic milestone as Western governments cautiously engage with Syria’s transitional authorities following years of civil war.
The talks between Macron and al-Sharaa are expected to focus on Syria’s political transition, humanitarian assistance, reconstruction efforts, regional security and the fight against extremist groups.
France has repeatedly called for an inclusive political process that protects Syria’s diverse communities while supporting efforts to stabilize the country after more than a decade of conflict.
Security Challenges Persist
Tuesday’s explosions underscore the fragile security situation that continues to confront Syria despite the political transition.
Earlier this month, at least nine people were killed and 22 others injured when an explosive device detonated inside a crowded café in central Damascus, according to Syrian state media. That attack highlighted the continuing threat posed by militant groups and other armed actors operating in parts of the country.
Security analysts say isolated bombings remain a major concern as Syria’s new authorities work to consolidate control and rebuild state institutions following years of conflict.
Macron Continues Middle East Agenda
Despite the security incident, French officials said Macron’s diplomatic schedule remains unchanged.
Following his meetings in Damascus, the French president is expected to travel to Turkey for the NATO summit, where alliance leaders are expected to discuss European security, the war in Ukraine and instability across the Middle East.
His visit to Syria marks a notable shift in European engagement with the country’s new leadership after years of diplomatic isolation under Assad’s government.
As investigators examine the cause of Tuesday’s explosions, Syrian authorities have tightened security around government buildings, diplomatic facilities and major roads in Damascus while continuing efforts to identify those behind the attack.
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