Several explosive devices were triggered in the Syrian capital on Tuesday in the vicinity of a hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was residing, according to a security source.
The detonations occurred while Macron was engaged in discussions with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace, reports Reuters and AFP.
At least one blast was reported, prompting an immediate response from emergency services as ambulances rushed to the scene.
Macron’s trip marks the first visit by a major European Union leader to Damascus since the ousting of former ruler Bashar al-Assad. He is also the first head of state from Western Europe to visit the country since the 2024 collapse of the Assad administration.
Witnesses reported smoke billowing near the upscale hotel where the French leader had spent the previous night. Following the incident, authorities cordoned off local roads and enforced stringent security protocols.
