Explosion heard in Damascus during French president's visit
Two explosions were heard in central Damascus on Tuesday as French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Syrian capital, AFP journalists said, with witnesses reporting smoke rising near a high-end hotel where the leader spent the night.
At least one blast was heard before ambulances rushed to the scene, while Macron, the first Western European leader to visit Syria since the 2024 fall of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, held talks with Syrian counterpart Ahmad al-Sharaa at the presidential palace.
The two blasts took place near the Four Seasons Hotel where Macron spent the night.
One of the bombs was placed in a dumpster and the other in a vehicle near the Four Seasons Hotel, a Syrian security source told AFP.
Macron had already left the hotel and entered the presidential palace to meet al-Sharaa when the explosions happened.
The Elysee palace said Macron is safe and will pursue his visit as normal.
The number of casualties was not immediately clear. No group immediately claimed responsibility.
The incident comes days after an explosive device was detonated in a cafe near the Justice Palace in Damascus, killing at least 10 people and wounding 20.
Source: Agence France Presse, Associated Press
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