Multiple explosive devices detonated near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron is staying in the Syrian capital on Tuesday, according to Syrian media and security sources.
The blasts occurred as Macron, the first major Western leader to visit Syria since the fall of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in 2024, held talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
A security source told Reuters that the explosions were caused by explosive devices. Syrian outlets reported a series of blasts in the vicinity of Macron’s hotel, with some accounts describing two loud explosions near Victoria Bridge.
Al Hadath updated that President Macron left his Damascus hotel 15 minutes before the explosion and that three people were killed after two bombs planted in trash cans exploded.
The Elysée Palace added that Macron didn't hear the blasts and was already heading to President Al-Shara's palace when the IEDs exploded.
Macron arrived in Damascus on Monday accompanied by a delegation that includes business leaders from companies such as CMA CGM and TotalEnergies, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and exploring reconstruction and economic opportunities in post-Assad Syria.
