French President Emmanuel Macron was safe after two bombs exploded near the hotel where he had spent the night during a visit to Syria's capital, Damascus, on Tuesday, the French presidency said.
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The Elysee Palace said Macron had already left the hotel before the explosions occurred and would continue his visit as planned.
Explosions Near Hotel
At the time of the blasts, Macron was meeting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and members of their delegations at the presidential palace, according to the French presidency.
Syrian state media, citing an unnamed security official, said the explosions were caused by explosive devices. A source told AFP that one bomb had been hidden in a dumpster and another inside a vehicle near the Four Seasons Hotel.
Syrian state television reported that 18 people were wounded, including four police officers, although officials had not independently confirmed the casualty figures. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
Macron Continues Visit
In a post on X later on Tuesday, Macron did not refer directly to the explosions but said nothing could "smother the aspiration of Syrian women and men to live in a fully sovereign, safe, pluralistic, and united Syria."
"My visit continues," he added.
Images from the scene showed a large plume of smoke rising into the air, while videos shared on social media appeared to show a burning vehicle and blood-stained streets.
Security Concerns
The incident came just days after a bomb exploded at a cafe near the Justice Palace in Damascus, killing at least 10 people and injuring 20.
President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former Islamist rebel commander, led the insurgency that overthrew longtime Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad less than two years ago. Since taking office, Sharaa has distanced himself from his former links to al-Qaeda and pledged to build a democratic Syria while strengthening relations with the United States and European countries.
His government continues to fight remaining ISIS militants, while the United States and Israel have also carried out strikes against ISIS targets inside Syria.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 7 July 2026