Cover image: Smoke and fire rise at the site where explosive devices blew up near a hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was meant to be staying, in Damascus, Syria, in this screengrab obtained from a video, July 7, 2026. © Yamam Al Shaar, Reuters

Explosions heard near Macron's Damascus hotel amid high-risk, landmark visit

· France 24

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.