Damascus, Syria – Web Desk: At least 18 people, including four police officers, were injured after two explosions struck the Syrian capital, Damascus, during the official visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, according to Syrian authorities.
Foreign media reported that the blasts occurred near the hotel where President Macron was meeting representatives of Syrian civil society. The first explosion reportedly took place shortly after Macron’s convoy left the hotel for the presidential palace.
A second blast occurred near an ambulance parked close to the scene, where around two dozen people had gathered. Witnesses reported flames and thick black smoke rising from the area following the explosions.
Syrian security forces immediately launched a search operation to identify those responsible, while security was tightened across the affected district.
Meanwhile, the French presidential office said the explosions were not heard by President Macron or his delegation, and journalists accompanying the French leader did not witness any emergency situation.
The Elysee Palace confirmed that Macron continued his scheduled engagements without interruption. In a post on X, the French president also stated, “My visit to Syria continues.”
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns in Syria following a recent explosion at a café in central Damascus that claimed several lives.
