Eighteen people were injured when two explosive devices detonated in central Damascus, near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was lodging. Syrian state news agency Sana reported that security forces had identified the bombs, placing one in a parked vehicle and another in a bin. While specialised units attempted to defuse the devices, the devices exploded, causing injuries to several police officers and traffic police.
Macron was on his way to meet Syrian President Ahmed al‑Sharaa at the presidential palace when the blasts occurred. According to his officials, the president did not sense any explosions and reportedly said he remained safe. He later posted on social media: “Nothing can smother the aspiration of Syrian women and men to live in a fully sovereign, safe, pluralistic, and united Syria.”
The attacks come amid a broader security crisis that includes recent bombing of a cafe in Damascus that killed nine people, as well as ongoing tensions with various militant groups. Syrian authorities have apologized and pledged to investigate the perpetrators. Macron’s presence marks the first EU state leader’s visit to Syria since the country’s reintegration into international affairs following the end of the Assad regime’s dominance in December 2024.
