Blasts rock Damascus during Macron visit

Bombs exploded in Damascus on Tuesday morning as French President Emmanuel Macron met his Syrian President counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa at the Syrian Presidential Palace.

According to security sources, two bombs exploded near the hotel where Emmanuel Macron was staying in Syria, with roads sealed off and security measures implemented soon after. 

The Elysee later confirmed that the blasts were not audible from the presidential motorcade and a Reuters journalist with the press group accompanying Macron did not hear the blast or see any commotion during the French president's morning events.

The Syrian Interior Ministry said security forces had identified two bombs planted near the Tourism Ministry and had been preparing to defuse them when they went off, describing the devices as crudely made.

The bombs — one of them placed in a car parked on the roadside and the other in a trash can — were planted outside a security cordon around Macron's place of residence, and posed no threat to his visit, the ministry said.

Flames and thick black smoke were seen billowing from close to the shops behind, as emergency personnel worked to put out the blaze.

Internal security forces said it has launched search operations to identify those responsible, while Syria's state news agency reported that 18 civilians, including four police officers, were injured in the explosions.

State television later reported that Macron and Sharaa had met at the Syrian Presidential Palace.

Macron's visit has highlighted Syria's geopolitical transformation under Sharaa, as he seeks to rebuild a country shattered by 13 years of war.

During the Syrian conflict, a range of militant groups including IS gained a foothold in the country.

The blasts underscore the major security challenges in Syria, where Macron is the first head of state of a European Union country to visit since rebels led by Sharaa toppled Bashar al-Assad in 2024.

The French presidency said he intended to stick to his planned schedule for the day.

In a post on X, Macron said his visit to Syria continues. "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."