French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed that his Macron Syria visit will continue despite two explosions in central Damascus that injured at least 18 people. The blasts occurred near the hotel where Macron had stayed overnight, but French officials said the president and his delegation remained safe and continued with their scheduled engagements.
In a message posted on X, Macron said nothing would weaken the Syrian people’s aspiration for a sovereign, secure and united country. He said he had met Syrians from diverse backgrounds and praised their determination, adding that his official visit was still underway despite the security incident.
According to Syrian authorities, 18 people, including four police officers, were injured in the twin explosions. The Interior Ministry said the blasts were caused by two improvised explosive devices, one hidden inside a parked vehicle and another placed in a garbage container. Officials said both devices exploded while preparations were being made to dismantle them.
Witnesses reported hearing loud explosions and seeing smoke rise near the Four Seasons Hotel, where Macron had spent the previous night. Security forces quickly sealed nearby roads, while ambulances and emergency responders rushed to the scene. The blasts also damaged windows in nearby buildings and prompted heightened security across central Damascus.
French officials stated that Macron had already left the hotel before the explosions occurred. The Elysee Palace said the presidential convoy neither heard the blasts nor encountered any disruption. Macron later met Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the Presidential Palace as planned, demonstrating that the visit continued according to schedule.
The incident comes only days after another deadly bombing in Damascus that killed 10 people, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing Syria despite ongoing political changes. Since taking power in 2024, President Ahmad al-Sharaa has sought to rebuild relations with Western and regional countries while pursuing national reconstruction after years of conflict.
Macron’s visit is the first by a European Union head of state since Syria’s political transition. Observers say the visit reflects renewed diplomatic engagement with Damascus, while the latest explosions underscore the fragile security environment that continues to challenge the country’s efforts toward stability and reconstruction.
