Key facts
- Two bombs detonated near the Four Seasons hotel in Damascus where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying.
- Eighteen people were wounded in the explosions, including four police officers.
- Macron proceeded with his scheduled meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
- France and Syria announced the designation of ambassadors, resuming diplomatic relations.
- French companies signed multiple agreements with Syria for infrastructure and economic development.
Two bombs exploded near a hotel in Damascus where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying, injuring 18 people and overshadowing his historic visit to Syria. Macron, the first EU leader to visit Syria since Bashar al-Assad was toppled in December 2024, was en route to a meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa when the devices detonated. Syrian state media reported that one explosive device was placed in a parked vehicle and another in a bin, with specialized units attempting to defuse them when they exploded. Four police officers were among the injured.
Macron's office stated he did not hear the explosions and proceeded with his agenda. He met al-Sharaa at the presidential palace, where they announced the designation of ambassadors, marking a significant resumption of diplomatic ties after France severed relations in 2012. Macron posted on social media, emphasizing the aspiration of Syrian people for a sovereign and peaceful nation.
The visit, aimed at discussing Syria's economic situation and reconstruction, included an economic delegation of French business leaders. Over a dozen agreements were signed, including deals for rebuilding infrastructure in Homs, providing technical assistance to Syria's central bank, and capacity building for Damascus airport. An agreement was also reached to return £43.6 million of illicit assets seized from Syria.
The explosions, attributed to militants including the Islamic State group, underscore the security challenges faced by Syria's new rulers, who have sought to project stability and attract foreign investment. The Syrian interior ministry has launched an investigation into the incident.