Explosions in Damascus as French President Macron meets Syrian counterpart

The twin blasts that rocked Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Syria this week underscore the fragility of President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s authority and the security challenges he faces. They also undermine the message of stability that Damascus is striving to convey to the international community.

Explosions have rocked the capital as French President Emmanuel Macron met his Syrian counterpart in a landmark visit.

Several hurt in Damascus blasts as Macron meets Syria's Sharaa

Two bombs exploded on Tuesday near a hotel in Damascus where French President Emmanuel Macron spent the night, wounding 18 people and overshadowing the first visit to Syria by a European Union head of state since Bashar al-Assad was toppled.Macron, whose motorcade left the hotel shortly before the blasts, pressed ahead with his visit, meeting President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace. His office said he had not heard the blasts.The attack underlined lingering security challenges facing Sharaa, a former al Qaeda commander who has built close ties with Western states as he has sought to stabilise and rebuild a country shattered by 13 years of civil war.

Bombs placed in a car and garbage can exploded near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus where Emmanuel Macron was staying during his state visit.

An explosion went off near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus on Tuesday, where French President Emmanuel Macron had spent the night ahead of a meeting with his Syrian counterpart, according to French and Syrian media. Macron was unharmed and was already at the Presidential Palace when the explosions occurred, the Élysée Palace said in … The post Explosion near Macron’s Damascus hotel as French president meets Syrian counterpart appeared first on Egypt Independent.

Two bombs exploded on Tuesday near a hotel in Damascus where French President Emmanuel Macron spent the night, wounding 18 people and overshadowing the first visit to Syria by a European Union head of state since Bashar al-Assad was toppled. Macron, whose motorcade left the hotel shortly before the blasts, pressed ahead with his visit, […]

Double-Tap Bombing Rips Through Damascus Near French President Macron's Hotel Major explosions ripped through an area in of the Syrian capital near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron had been staying, during an official visit of the French leader to Nusrah Front (Syrian AQ) founder and now self-appointed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Macron is said to be safe, after talks with Sharaa at the presidential palace, but at least 18 people were injured when explosive devices went off - an attack which was captured on video from various angles. It appeared a double-tap explosion, leading some pundits to speculate that it could have been a drone attack. It also happened near the Ministry of Tourism in central Damascus, home to some high-end hotels as well as government buildings. According to one eyewitness speaking to the BBC: They said that while security forces were searching for suspicious objects after the first bomb detonated, "a second explosion occurred approximately 20 meters from the site of the first blast". "The first explosion caused material damage but no casualties. The second explosion, however, caused injuries to several members of the public security forces and the traffic police," the eyewitness told the BBC. Security forces later indicated one bomb had been detonated from inside a parked vehicle while another had been in a bin on the street. #BREAKING: Syria explosion caught on camera during French President Macron visit. 18 people injured including four police officers. Macron is still in Syria. pic.twitter.com/BWen6oJbrd — Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) July 7, 2026 The Associated Press notes that "It was the second blast to rock the capital in a few days, and a setback for the country’s new president as he welcomed his first visit from a western leader since ousting longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad. Syria’s new rulers have wrestled with outbreaks of violence as they work to assert control, but the capital has been been largely peaceful." And specifically of the French leader's whereabouts during the attack, "Emmanuel Macron was inside the presidential palace when the explosions happened." ⚡️Reuters: A group of explosive devices detonated near a hotel where Macron is staying in Damascus. pic.twitter.com/PrF84XBqao — Global News Monitor (@GlobalNewsMontr) July 7, 2026 "An official from the Elysee Palace said he was safe and that the meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa continued, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss Macron’s whereabouts and security," the report continued. No group has initially claimed responsibility for the attack. In the wake of Assad's overthrow by Western/Gulf sponsored jihadist groups, various foreign fighters as well as Syrian al-Qaeda and ISIS groups have pretty much had free reign in Syria.  Developing: Visuals of the Multiple Explosions in Damascus, Syria during the visit French President Macron. Macron had left the hotel for meeting with President of Syria when the blasts were reported near his hotel. pic.twitter.com/iRsktZkNeC — Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) July 7, 2026 President Macron will head to Ankara, Turkey next for the NATO summit and there are reports that even Sharaa is expected to be there. Tyler Durden Tue, 07/07/2026 - 08:20

It was the second blast to rock the capital in a few days, and a setback for the country’s new president as he welcomed his first visit from a western leader since ousting longtime dictator Bashar Assad. Emmanuel Macron was inside the presidential palace when the explosions happened. An official from the Elysee Palace said he was safe and that the meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa continued.

Explosions rocked the area around the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying in Damascus on Tuesday, triggering panic and a massive security response during his historic visit to Syria.The blasts occurred just before Macron's scheduled engagements, with video circulating on social media showing a sudden explosion, flames, thick black smoke billowing into the sky, and people running for safety near parked vehicles in a residential neighborhood.The moment of the explosion that rocked French President Macron's residence in the Syrian capital, Damascus. pic.twitter.com/xBhlUzPyrf— Jackson Hinkle (@jacksonhinkle) July 7, 2026 Fortunately, Macron was not at the hotel when the explosions occurred. According to the Elysee Palace, the French President neither heard the blasts nor was placed in immediate danger, as he had already arrived at the Syrian Presidential Palace for talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.Explosions Trigger Security LockdownEyewitnesses reported hearing multiple explosions, while smoke could be seen rising from the vicinity of the hotel. Security forces swiftly sealed nearby roads and tightened security across the area as authorities responded to the incident.State television later confirmed that Macron and Sharaa proceeded with their scheduled meeting at the Presidential Palace despite the explosions.Historic Visit Amid Fragile SecurityMacron's trip marks the first visit by a European Union head of state to Syria since the 2024 overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad. The visit is widely seen as a significant diplomatic milestone as Syria attempts to rebuild after more than a decade of devastating conflict.Sharaa, who rose to power after leading the coalition that ousted Assad, has sought to strengthen ties with Western and Middle Eastern nations while promising to establish a more inclusive political order.Mumbai: French President Emmanuel Macron Pays Homage To Victims Of 2008 Terrorist Attacks; Video Syria's Security Challenges PersistThe explosions underscore the fragile security environment that continues to plague Syria despite the country's political transition. During the civil war, extremist groups including the Islamic State established a significant presence across parts of the country.Although Sharaa's administration has pledged national reconciliation, the government continues to face outbreaks of sectarian and ethnic violence, highlighting the difficult path toward stability and reconstruction.

French officials say Mr Macron did not hear the blasts, and his motorcade continued through the streets of the Syrian capital to a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, in the first by a European head of state since 2024. 

Blast is setback for Syria’s new rulers who were hoping to project an image of stabilityExplosions rocked Damascus near the hotel where French president Emmanuel Macron was staying on Tuesday, wounding at least 18 people, Syrian authorities said.Macron was in the presidential palace for a meeting with Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa when two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) detonated near the Four Seasons Hotel, where Macron was reported to be staying. The Four Seasons hosts UN staff and foreign diplomats and is one of the most well-guarded facilities in the Syrian capital. Continue reading...

The explosions are believed to have been caused by an explosive device planted on a vehicle near the French president's hotel, while Macron had left the area moments before.

Two explosions struck central Damascus on Tuesday, even as French President Emmanuel Macron met his Syrian counterpart, Ahmad al-Sharaa, in a landmark visit, wounding at least four people, according to PTI, which cited Syrian state media and AP reports.

Damascus blasts hit as Macron meets Syrias Sharaa in landmark visit

Rewatch Macron and al-Sharaa's press conference during the French president's landmark visit and after two bombs exploded in Damascus, near Macron's hotel.

Syria’s capital rocked by blasts during Macron visit

Two explosions occurred in the Syrian capital of Damascus near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was expected to stay during his visit to the country. There were initially no reports of casualties, and the cause of the explosions was not immediately known, according to Al Jazeera. At the time of the explosions, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa was hosting Macron at the presidential residence, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA). Reuters reported that improvised explosive devices detonated near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus, where Macron was believed to be staying during his visit. Roads in the area were closed following the blasts, and emergency services were deployed to the scene.

Two bombs exploded near the hotel in Damascus where Emmanuel Macron held meetings on Tuesday, Syrian state media said, but the French president’s office said he did not hear the explosions and he met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa soon afterwards. The blasts underscore the major security challenges in Syria, where Macron is the first head of state of a European Union country to visit since rebels led by Sharaa toppled Bashar al-Assad in 2024. The explosions struck a busy area between the Syrian tourism ministry and the national museum across the street from the Four Seasons, where Macron was meeting civil society groups. Syria’s state news agency reported that 18 people were injured in the explosions, including four police officers. The first blast hit soon after Macron’s motorcade left for the presidential palace. Reuters footage showed flames and smoke billowing from a trash can when a second explosion was caught on camera a few metres away. The second blast went off next to an ambulance parked at the scene, where some two dozen people had gathered. Flames and thick black smoke were seen billowing from close to the shops behind, as emergency personnel worked to put out the blaze. Reuters video showed Macron’s motorcade heading along a highway towards the presidential palace before the blasts. Photographs then showed him standing alongside Sharaa and meeting other Syrian officials and military officers. Internal security forces have launched search operations to identify those responsible, Syria’s state-run Al-Ekhbariya TV cited a security source as saying. Roads were sealed off and security measures were implemented after the blasts, a security source told Reuters. The French Presidency said the blasts were not audible from the presidential motorcade and a Reuters journalist with the press group accompanying Macron did not hear the blast or see any commotion during the French president’s morning events. The presidency said he intended to stick to his planned schedule for the day.

Syria says 18 wounded in Damascus blasts during Macron visit The blasts occurred in central Damascus near the hotel where France's president spent the night, with the Elysee Palace saying his visit is ongoing. The blasts came moments before Syrian state television announced Emmanuel Macron's arrival to the presidential palace to meet his counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa. The Syrian interior ministry said that "18 people, including four police officers, were injured" as a result of the two explosions caused by "two improvised devices, the first of which was placed inside a car parked on the side of the road, while the second was placed inside a garbage container". The ministry said the devices exploded "while preparations were underway" to dismantle them. A security source told AFP earlier the bombs were placed near the Four Seasons hotel, where Macron had spent the night. Macron had left the hotel before the blasts took place, and they were not heard by the French presidential convoy, according to two AFP journalists traveling with them. The second explosion occurred near Victoria Bridge in central Damascus, about two hundred meters from the hotel. Before arriving at the presidential palace, Macron held a meeting Tuesday morning with civil society representatives at the Four Seasons Hotel.  The explosions are the second since Thursday, when 10 people were killed in a bombing in a Damascus cafe. Cameras recorded the exact moment of the blast in Damascus, close to where the French president was staying (AFP). pic.twitter.com/fuqMCgVJv2 — IRNA News Agency ☫ (@IrnaEnglish) July 7, 2026

As French President Emmanuel Macron is holding a landmark visit to his Syrian counterpart, several bombs exploded near Damascus's Four Seasons Hotel, in the city centre, where Macron is said to be staying. But the two presidents seem undeterred as the visit signs a landmark moment for Syria's post-Assad: Macron is the first Western leader to be visiting Syria since al-Sharaa came to power. FRANCE 24's Marc Perelman and Clovis Casali tell us more.

The blasts came moments before Syrian state television announced Emmanuel Macron's arrival to the presidential palace to meet leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Explosions rocked Damascus on July 7 as France’s president is meeting with his Syrian counterpart in a surprise, landmark visit. Emmanuel Macorn was not at the hotel at the time of the explosions and had already arrived in the presidential palace. The two leaders were about to kickoff a series of meetings where contracts regarding Syria's reconstructions were going to be signed when the explosions happened. FRANCE 24's Dana Alboz tells us more from Damascus, and how Syrian authorities are hoping to overcome security challenges to attract investors.

Explosions heard near hotel where President Macron staying in Syria  Sky NewsMacron safe after explosions in Syrian capital during French president's visit  BBCCar bomb explodes near Macron’s Damascus hotel  The TelegraphBlasts rock Damascus during Macron visit  ReutersMacron arrives in Syria for first post-Assad visit by western European leader  Euronews.com

Syrian and French leaders meet without incident after explosions injure 18

Explosions were heard in Damascus as French President Emmanuel Macron is holding a surprise visit to Damascus, hosted by Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Macron played a major role in pushing Europe and the United States to drop most sanctions on Syria. FRANCE 24's Clovis Casali and Matthew-Mary Caruchet tell us more about the risks and stakes of this visit.

By Yamam Al Shaar, Kinda Makieh and Clotaire AchiDAMASCUS, July 7 (Reuters) - Two bombs exploded near the hotel in Damascus where Emmanuel Macron held meetingson Tuesday, Syrian state media said, but the French president's office said he did not hear the explosions and he met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa soon afterwards.The blasts underscore the major security challenges in Syria, where Macron is the first head of state of a major European Union country to visit since rebels led by Sharaa toppled Bashar al-Assad in 2024.

Emmanuel Macron had entered the presidential palace to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa when the explosions happened near the Four Seasons Hotel

The French president's office said that Macron was safe and that his meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa would continue as scheduled.

French president is first EU leader to travel to Syria since fall of Assad regime

Damascus blasts hit during Macron meeting with Syrias president

Two bombs exploded near the hotel in Damascus where Emmanuel Macron held meetings on Tuesday, Syrian state media said, but the French president’s office said he did not hear the explosions and he met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa soon afterwards. The blasts underscore the major security challenges in Syria, where Macron is the first head of state of a European Union country to visit since rebels led by Sharaa toppled Bashar al-Assad in 2024. The explosions struck a busy area between the Syrian tourism ministry and the national museum across the street from the Four Seasons, where Macron was meeting civil society groups. Syria’s state news agency reported that 18 people were injured in the explosions, including four police officers. The first blast hit soon after Macron’s motorcade left for the presidential palace. Reuters footage showed flames and smoke billowing from a trash can when a second explosion was caught on camera a few metres away. The second blast went off next to an ambulance parked at the scene, where some two dozen people had gathered. Flames and thick black smoke were seen billowing from close to the shops behind, as emergency personnel worked to put out the blaze. Reuters video showed Macron’s motorcade heading along a highway towards the presidential palace before the blasts. Photographs then showed him standing alongside Sharaa and meeting other Syrian officials and military officers. Internal security forces have launched search operations to identify those responsible, Syria’s state-run Al-Ekhbariya TV cited a security source as saying. Roads were sealed off and security measures were implemented after the blasts, a security source told Reuters. The French Presidency said the blasts were not audible from the presidential motorcade and a Reuters journalist with the press group accompanying Macron did not hear the blast or see any commotion during the French president’s morning events. The presidency said he intended to stick to his planned schedule for the day.

Macron is the first major Western leader to visit Syria since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

As reports of the blasts came in, state television said the Syrian president had welcomed Macron at the presidential palace.

The blasts, coming just as Macron arrived, highlight how fragile security remains in Syria even as its new leadership tries to rebuild the country's global standing.

Explosions near Macron's Damascus hotel highlighted the massive security challenges facing Syria under its new post-Assad leadership.

The blasts underscore the major security ⁠challenges in Syria, where French President Emmanuel Macron is the first head of state of ⁠a European Union country to visit since 2024.

Explosions rocked Damascus on Tuesday as France's president met with his Syrian counterpart in a landmark visit. Emmanuel Macron had entered the presidential palace to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa when the explosions happened near the Four Seasons Hotel. Syrian authorities did not immediately comment on the incident. Syrian media reported that Macron was staying at the Four Seasons. Two explosions were heard in the heart of the capital, Syrian newspaper Al-Watan and Syria TV network reported. A large plume of smoke could be seen from the site. Footage widely circulated on social media showed a vehicle on fire and blood stains on the street. The number of casualties was not immediately clear. No group immediately claimed responsibility. The incident comes days after an explosive device was detonated in a cafe near the Justice Palace in Damascus, killing at least 10 people and wounding 20.

Explosions rocked Damascus shortly after French President Emmanuel Macron entered the presidential palace to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa

Macron on Syria visit explosions heard near his hotel in Damascus

The blasts underscore the major security challenges in Syria, where French President Emmanuel Macron is the first head of state of a European Union country to visit since rebels led by Sharaa toppled Bashar al-Assad in 2024.

Explosions in Damascus as French president visits

Explosions struck central Damascus near President Emmanuel Macron's hotel. The French president proceeded with his scheduled meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Macron is the first EU leader to visit Syria since 2024. His visit focuses on reconstruction and restoring diplomatic engagement. Discussions also covered counterterrorism cooperation and regional security matters.

Explosions have rocked Damascus as French President Emmanuel Macron met his Syrian counterpart in a landmark visit.

Explosions rocked Damascus on Tuesday as France’s president met with his Syrian counterpart in a landmark visit, wounding at least four people according to Syrian state media. Emmanuel Macron had entered the presidential palace to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa when the explosions happened near the Four Seasons Hotel. Syrian authorities did not immediately comment on the incident. Syrian media reported that Macron was staying at the Four Seasons. The French president’s office said he was...

A series of explosive devices blew up near a hotel where Emmanuel Macron is currently staying in Damascus, according to a security source.

Macron is the first major EU leader to visit the Syrian capital since former president Bashar al-Assad was toppled

Two explosions hit Damascus on Tuesday morning as French President Emmanuel Macron made the first visit to Syria by a Western leader.

Two explosions were heard in Damascus on Tuesday morning, while French President Emmanuel Macron is in the city for a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Explosions have reportedly erupted close to a hotel where Macron is staying.

Explosive devices blew ​up on Tuesday ‌in Syria's capital Damascus near a hotel ​where French ​President Emmanuel Macron was ⁠meant to ​be staying, a security source ​said.

Explosion heard in Damascus during French president's visit An explosion was heard in central Damascus on Tuesday as French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Syrian capital, AFP journalists said, with witnesses reporting smoke rising near a high-end hotel where the leader spent the night. At least one blast was heard before ambulances rushed to the scene, while Macron, the first Western European leader to visit Syria since the 2024 fall of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, held talks with Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace.

Macron had entered the presidential palace to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa when the explosions happened near the Four Seasons Hotel.

A series of explosions have been heard near the hotel where President Emmanuel Macron is due to stay in Syria.

French president did not hear explosions, met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa ​soon afterwards