Explosives blow up near Emmanuel Macron's hotel as 18 people left injured
Two explosive devices have been detonated near a hotel where Emmanuel Macron was staying in Damascus.
The French President, who was staying at the Four Seasons Damascus, is visiting the Syrian capital for talks with ex-Taliban terrorist Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Plumes of smoke were seen billowing into the Syrian skies this morning as twin blasts left 18 people injured.
Four of the people who sustained injuries were later identified as local police officers.
Security sources have revealed that one of the explosive devices was found in a bin, while the second was detected in a vehicle near Mr Macron's hotel.
The explosions struck a busy area between the Syrian tourism ministry and the national museum across the street from the Four Seasons.
The Elysee Palace confirmed Mr Macron was not injured in the incident.
Mr Macron was already travelling in a motorcade when the explosions rocked Damascus.
Mr Macron did not hear the explosions while travelling to meet his Syrian counterpart.
Security forces have launched search operations to identify those responsible, Syria's state-run Al-Ekhbariya TV has revealed.
Roads were sealed off and security measures were also implemented after the blasts.
The French President is the first European Union leader to visit Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in 2024.
Ahead of the visit, Mr Macron said: “I have come to express France’s commitment to the Syrian people.
“For a sovereign Syria, united in its diversity and at peace with its neighbours.
“Together, let us open a new chapter of stability and peace.”
Mr Macron is expected to head to a Nato summit in Ankara, Turkey, shortly after concluding his meetings with Syrian officials in Damascus.
France's President Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa at the People's Palace in Damascus
However, today's blasts in Damascus come amid growing concerns about Islamist terrorism in the region.
A bomb at a cafe rocked Damascus last week.
Nine people were killed and another 20 sustained injuries.
No group claimed responsibility for the attack.
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for a series of attacks since February.
Other jihadist groups have also carried out terror attacks in the region since Assad's regime was toppled.
Saraya Ansar al-Sunnah claimed to be behind a suicide attack on a church in June 2025 which left 25 people dead.
A further 63 people were wounded at the Greek Orthodox Church in Dweila.