Damascus, Syria. Two bombs exploded on Tuesday near a hotel in Damascus where French President Emmanuel Macron had spent the night, wounding 18 people during the first visit to Syria by a European Union head of state since Bashar al-Assad was toppled. Macron continued his visit and later met President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace.
Explosions near hotel
The explosions struck a busy area of Damascus between the Syrian Tourism Ministry and the national museum, across the street from the Four Seasons hotel. A source in Macron’s delegation and Syrian security sources said Macron had spent the night there and had met civil society groups on Tuesday morning.
The first blast occurred shortly after Macron’s motorcade left for the presidential palace. Reuters footage showed flames and smoke rising from the site, and a second explosion was recorded a few metres away.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the bomb attacks.
Macron continues visit
Macron pressed ahead with his visit after the blasts. His office said he had not heard the explosions.
In a post on X, Macron said his visit continued.
“Nothing can undermine the desire of Syrians to live in a fully sovereign and secure Syria,” he posted. “This morning I met Syria in all its diversity, and I saw dignity, courage and determination.”
Security challenges for Syria
The attack highlighted continuing security challenges facing Sharaa, a former al Qaeda commander who has built close ties with Western states while seeking to stabilise and rebuild a country devastated by 13 years of civil war.
Economic agreements and support
Macron, who led calls for the lifting of Western sanctions on Syria last year, was accompanied by business leaders, including the CEOs of TotalEnergies and shipping group CMA CGM.
The Elysee said CMA CGM signed a partnership deal with Syria, including air cargo freight handling at Damascus airport. It also said France and Syria would begin a process to restore €51 million ($58.3 million) in assets to Syria that had been confiscated from the late Rifaat al-Assad, Bashar’s uncle.
Macron said France was ready to help rebuild Syria’s economy and banking sector.
