Explosions Rock Damascus as Macron Meets Syrian Leader al-Sharaa During Historic Visit

DAMASCUS, Jul 7: Explosions were heard in the Syrian capital of Damascus on Tuesday near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was due to stay, prompting a major security response as he held high-level talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

A Syrian security source said explosive devices detonated near the hotel used by the French delegation. At least one blast was heard before ambulances rushed to the scene, while roads around the area were sealed off and security forces tightened security.

Smoke was seen rising near the luxury hotel where Macron spent the previous night. There were no immediate reports of casualties or any indication that the French president was directly targeted.

Despite the explosions, Macron continued with his scheduled meeting with al-Sharaa at the presidential palace.

The visit marks a historic diplomatic milestone, making Macron the first major European Union leader to travel to Damascus since the fall of longtime Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in 2024.

His trip is widely seen as a significant step in Europe's re-engagement with Syria's new leadership following years of civil war and diplomatic isolation.

Authorities have not identified who was responsible for the explosions, and an investigation is underway.

The blasts underscore the fragile security situation in Syria even as the country's new government seeks to rebuild international ties and attract diplomatic recognition after the collapse of the Assad era.