Explosions are reported to have occurred in Damascus on Tuesday as French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting Syria. Multiple outlets cite a security source or witnesses saying blasts were heard near a high-end hotel where Macron is staying, with reports placing the area around the Four Seasons Hotel. Witnesses describe smoke rising and at least one blast occurring before ambulances arrive. The reports also say Macron had entered the presidential palace to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the time of the explosions, and that Macron had left the area moments before in one account. Another outlet reports the attack involves an explosive device planted on a vehicle near the French president’s hotel. The coverage does not provide confirmed details on responsibility, casualties, or the exact number of blasts. The visit is also described as notable because Macron is reportedly the first major EU leader to travel to Damascus since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2024. The reports rely on on-the-ground observations and security or official sources, and the situation remains under investigation.
Explosions reported near hotel in Damascus during Macron’s Syria visit
Explosions are reported to have occurred in Damascus on Tuesday as French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting Syria. Multiple outlets cite a security source or witnesses saying blasts were heard nea...
- Reports say explosions were heard in central Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit.
- Several accounts place the blasts near the Four Seasons Hotel, where Macron is staying.
- Witnesses report smoke near the hotel and ambulances responding after at least one explosion.
- One report says an explosive device on a vehicle detonates near Macron’s hotel; other details are not confirmed.
- Macron holds talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace during the time of the blasts.
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.
11 minutes from nowBy 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.
1 hour agoEmmanuel Macron had entered the presidential palace to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa when the explosions happened near the Four Seasons Hotel
1 hour agoThe French president's office said that Macron was safe and that his meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa would continue as scheduled.
1 hour agoFrench president is first EU leader to travel to Syria since fall of Assad regime
1 hour agoDamascus blasts hit during Macron meeting with Syrias president
1 hour ago
Paris Appeals Court to Rule on Marine Le Pen’s Eligibility for Next Year’s Presidency
A Paris appeals court is due to rule on Tuesday on whether Marine Le Pen is allowed to run for France’s next presidentia...
NATO plans to invest over $40 billion in counter-drone defenses, Rutte says
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte says the alliance is investing more than $40 billion in counter-drone capabilities ove...
Femi Fani-Kayode receives letters of credence as Nigeria’s envoy to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini
Femi Fani-Kayode receives his Letters of Credence and is set to assume duties as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Af...