2 bombs explode near Macron hotel in Damascus, 18 hurt
Macron continued the trip and met Ahmed al-Sharaa to discuss Syria's reconstruction after the blasts.
Two bombs exploded near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus as French President Emmanuel Macron visited Syria on Tuesday (7/7). At least 18 people were injured, including four police officers, and there was no official report of deaths. The Elysee said Macron was safe and continued with his travel schedule. At the time of the blasts, he had already left the hotel and was heading to the presidential palace to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Syrian state media, citing security officials, reported that one explosive device was placed in a trash bin and another inside a vehicle near the hotel. No group claimed responsibility. The trip was the first visit by a European Union head of state to Syria since Bashar al-Assad was ousted in 2024.