In brief
French President Emmanuel Macron was confirmed safe amid reports of twin explosions in central Damascus on Tuesday morning. The blasts, caused by two explosive devices, injured several people and produced flames near the Four Seasons hotel. Despite the violence, Macron’s officials said he was unaware of the blasts on his way to a meeting with Syrian leader Ahmed al‑Sharaa. The visit, which marks the first EU leader trip to Syria since the 24‑year fall of Bashar al‑Assad, continues as planned, with Macron scheduled to travel to Turkey for the upcoming NATO summit. Earlier this month, a bomb blast in a crowded cafe in Damascus killed nine people and injured 22, underscoring the heightened security risks in the region.
French President Emmanuel Macron has been declared safe following twin explosions that rocked central Damascus on Tuesday morning, the Elysee Palace said.
The blasts were said to have been caused by two explosive devices, injuring several civilians, and were located approximately 125 metres from the Four Seasons Hotel on Shoukry al‑Quowatly road. Video footage shows plumes of smoke and flames erupting from a vehicle near a nearby hotel.
Macron, who is in the capital for talks with Syrian President Ahmed al‑Sharaa at the president’s palace, was not aware of the blasts on his way to the meeting, his officials said. The French president’s security detail remained alert as he met his Syrian counterpart.
Despite the incident, the Elysee Palace confirmed that the visit "continues as planned" and that Macron is set to travel to Turkey later that day to attend the NATO summit.
This visit marks the first time an EU leader has travelled to Syria since the end of Bashar al‑Assad’s 24‑year rule, underscoring the significance of the diplomatic engagement. Earlier in the month, a bomb blast at a crowded café in Damascus killed nine people and wounded 22, according to Syrian state media, highlighting the volatile security situation.
