Two explosions near a hotel in Damascus injured 18 people on Tuesday, shortly after French President Emmanuel Macron’s motorcade departed the area during his visit to Syria.
The blasts occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel, where Macron had reportedly stayed overnight. His office said the French president did not hear the explosions and continued with his visit, including talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The attack highlighted ongoing security challenges in Syria despite efforts by the country’s leadership to stabilise the nation following years of conflict.
In a post on X, Macron said the visit would continue, adding that “nothing can undermine the desire of Syrians to live in a fully sovereign and secure Syria.”