Damascus Blasts Strike Near Macron’s Hotel as First Western Leader Visits New Syria

Explosions shook central Damascus on Tuesday as French President Emmanuel Macron continued his official visit to Syria, marking the first trip by a Western European head of state since the country’s new authorities came to power. Despite the blast, Macron’s schedule continued as planned, including his meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the Presidential Palace.

The explosions occurred shortly after Macron entered the palace for talks with al-Sharaa. The blasts were reported near the Four Seasons Hotel Damascus, where Syrian media said the French president had stayed overnight, and close to the Ministry of Tourism in a busy area of the capital.

According to Syrian state media, the explosions were caused by improvised explosive devices hidden in two locations: one placed inside a trash bin and another concealed in a vehicle. Witnesses reported hearing two powerful blasts, while a large cloud of smoke was seen rising from the area.

Footage shared widely on social media showed a vehicle and a motorcycle on fire, as well as blood stains visible on the street. Syrian officials said 18 people were injured in the attack, including four police officers. No deaths were reported immediately, and no group had claimed responsibility for the explosions.

The French president’s office confirmed that Macron was unharmed and that his talks with al-Sharaa continued. Syrian authorities launched an investigation into the incident, which took place in an area near several important locations, including the Tourism Ministry and the Damascus National Museum.

The attack was described by observers as a significant security challenge for Syria’s new leadership, coming during the visit of the first Western leader to travel to the country since the change of power. The incident was seen as a demonstration that armed groups remain capable of striking in the capital despite efforts by the authorities to restore control.

The blasts marked the ninth reported improvised explosive device attack in Damascus since early May. They also came only days after another explosion near the Justice Palace in the capital, where at least 10 people were killed and more than 20 wounded.

Macron arrived in Syria on Monday with a business delegation focused on discussions about regional security, investment opportunities, and economic cooperation. His visit is also linked to efforts to support Syria’s reconstruction after 14 years of war, with agreements and memorandums of understanding expected to be signed between the two countries.

Before arriving at the Presidential Palace, Macron met representatives of Syrian civil society, although his office did not provide details about the participants. Upon his arrival in Damascus, he was welcomed by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani.

"I have come to express France’s commitment to the Syrian people. For a sovereign Syria, united in its diversity and at peace with its neighbors," Macron wrote on X. "Together, let us open a new chapter of stability and peace."

The French president has played a key role in encouraging Europe and the United States to ease most sanctions on Syria, as the country seeks international support and foreign investment for reconstruction.

For al-Sharaa, who came to power after leading an insurgency that removed Bashar Assad in 2024, the attack represents another challenge as he attempts to consolidate authority, improve security, gain the confidence of minorities, and convince Western governments to support the country’s transition.

Syria’s new government has faced continued violence from various armed groups while attempting to establish control across the country, although Damascus itself had remained relatively calm during much of the recent instability. The Syrian conflict has killed nearly half a million people, displaced millions, and left much of the country’s infrastructure destroyed. International investors have announced major pledges, but Syria still requires hundreds of billions of dollars for reconstruction and economic recovery.