Key facts
- French President Emmanuel Macron visited Syria, the first EU head of state to do so since Bashar al-Assad's government fell in 2024.
- Two explosive devices detonated near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus where Macron was staying.
- Eighteen people, including four police officers, were injured in the blasts.
- Syrian authorities stated the devices were being dismantled when they exploded.
- Macron's office confirmed he was safe and continued his scheduled meetings.
- The explosions follow a bombing in a Damascus cafe on Thursday that killed 10 people.
French President Emmanuel Macron made a landmark visit to Syria, becoming the first EU head of state to visit the country since rebels overthrew Bashar al-Assad's government in 2024. During his meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace, two explosions occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel where Macron had spent the night. The Syrian interior ministry stated that 18 people, including four police officers, were injured as a result of the blasts, which were caused by two improvised devices. The devices reportedly exploded while preparations were underway to dismantle them. Macron's office confirmed he was safe and that the visit was continuing. The explosions follow a bombing in a Damascus cafe on Thursday that killed 10 people.
Macron's visit, accompanied by an economic delegation, aimed to boost investor confidence in the war-battered country. The meeting with Sharaa, who has worked to distance himself from his past as an Islamist fighter, was viewed as a significant recognition of his rule. France has been a supportive Western government of Sharaa's administration, advocating for the US to drop sanctions and mediating between Syria and Israel. The explosions, however, presented a setback for Syria's new rulers, who are striving to project an image of stability and attract foreign investment amid severe economic challenges, with approximately 90% of the population living in poverty.