French President Emmanuel Macron said his official visit to Syria would continue despite twin explosions in Damascus that injured 18 people. The blasts occurred near the hotel where Macron had stayed overnight but did not affect his delegation. The incident highlighted Syria’s fragile security situation during the first visit by a European Union head of state since the country’s political transition.
In a post on X, Macron said nothing could extinguish the Syrian people’s hope for a sovereign, safe and united country. He said he had met Syrians from diverse backgrounds and praised their courage and determination. Macron added that his visit was continuing as planned despite the security incident.
Read more: Blasts rock Damascus during Macron visit
Syrian authorities said 18 people, including four police officers, were injured in two explosions in central Damascus. The Interior Ministry said the blasts were caused by two improvised explosive devices placed inside a parked car and a garbage container. Officials said the devices exploded while security personnel were preparing to dismantle them.
The explosions occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel, where Macron had spent the night before leaving for the presidential palace. Witnesses reported smoke rising over central Damascus as roads were sealed and ambulances rushed to the scene. French officials said the explosions were not heard by Macron’s motorcade, and his meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa proceeded as scheduled.
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Macron’s visit underscores Syria’s changing diplomatic landscape following the 2024 overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. The French president is the first European Union leader to visit Syria under President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s administration. The visit comes as the new government seeks international support while continuing to face serious security challenges after years of conflict.