French President Emmanuel Macron is safe following reports of explosions in central Damascus on Tuesday morning, the Elysee Palace has confirmed. Macron was in the Syrian capital for talks with President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace when the blasts occurred.
Explosions Target Area Near Macron’s Visit
A security source for Macron reportedly stated that the blasts were caused by two explosive devices and that several people were wounded. Videos and images on social media showed plumes of smoke and flames rising from a vehicle near a hotel in the Syrian capital. Despite the incident, Syrian state television reported that al-Sharaa had welcomed Macron to the presidential palace. French officials said the president did not hear any explosions while en route to the meeting.
Macron’s Visit Continues Uninterrupted
The Elysee Palace confirmed that Macron’s visit continues as planned. After his talks in Syria, Macron is set to head to Turkey for the NATO summit. The French president arrived in Syria on Monday evening, becoming the first EU leader to visit the country since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year rule. The diplomatic landscape has shifted dramatically following the collapse of the Assad regime, making France's engagement pivotal as the international community watches Syria navigate its transition under new leadership.
Volatile Security Situation in Damascus
This recent violence highlights the volatile security situation remaining in the capital. At the start of July, a bomb blast at a crowded cafe in central Damascus killed at least nine people and injured 22 others, according to Syrian state media. The latest explosions underscore ongoing instability despite political changes.
