Explosions Rock Damascus During Macron’s Visit to Syria

The Syrian capital, Damascus, was shaken on Tuesday by a series of explosions that coincided with the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Syria.

According to Reuters, citing a security source, several explosions caused by explosive devices occurred near the hotel where Macron was staying in Damascus. The incident raised immediate security concerns, especially as it took place during a high-level diplomatic visit.

Agence France-Presse also reported that a powerful explosion was heard, followed by columns of smoke rising from an area close to a luxury hotel where the French president had spent the night. Witnesses said the blast was clearly heard in nearby districts, adding to the tension in the Syrian capital.

At least one explosion was heard in different parts of Damascus, while ambulances quickly rushed to the scene. However, Syrian authorities have not yet officially announced the exact nature of the explosions or the scale of the damage caused by the incident.

For its part, the French presidency confirmed that President Emmanuel Macron is safe and that he is continuing his visit to Syria as planned.

According to the French presidency, Macron had already left the hotel before the two explosions took place. He is currently at the presidential palace, where an expanded meeting is being held between the two sides in the presence of delegations from both countries.

The meeting is expected to be followed by a bilateral discussion between the two presidents, as part of Macron’s official visit to Damascus.

The explosions come at a sensitive moment, given the political importance of the visit and the security situation in Syria. While no official details have been released about those responsible for the blasts, the incident has drawn attention to the fragile security environment surrounding diplomatic movements in the country.