Explosions Wound 18 in Damascus During Macron's Landmark Visit

At least 18 people were injured in twin explosions near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus on Tuesday as French President Emmanuel Macron met Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace. Macron was unharmed and his visit continued as planned Source: BBC.

What happened

The two improvised explosive devices detonated shortly after Macron left the hotel. One was placed in a parked car, the other in a garbage bin Source: AP. Four police officers were among the wounded Source: CNN. Syrian authorities said the devices were made "in a primitive way" Source: CNN. No group claimed responsibility Source: The Guardian.

The reaction

Macron was already at the presidential palace when the blasts occurred. The Élysée Palace confirmed he was safe and his meeting with al-Sharaa proceeded Source: BBC. Macron later wrote on X: "Nothing can smother the aspiration of Syrian women and men to live in a fully sovereign, safe, pluralistic, and united Syria" Source: Foreign Policy. The two leaders signed several agreements, including a pact to reappoint ambassadors for the first time in 14 years Source: Foreign Policy. Macron also brought a business delegation including CEOs of TotalEnergies and CMA CGM Source: DW.

Context

The explosions came less than a week after a bombing at a Damascus cafe killed at least 10 people Source: AP. Macron's visit is the first by a Western leader since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 Source: The Guardian. It marks a significant step in Syria's efforts to rebuild international ties and attract investment Source: SCMP.