Two explosions shook central Damascus on Tuesday, striking near the Four Seasons Hotel as French President Emmanuel Macron held talks with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the presidential palace. Syrian authorities reported 18 wounded, including four police officers, but Macron was unharmed and his schedule continued as planned.
Syrian newspaper Al-Watan and Syria TV network reported that two blasts were heard in the heart of the capital. Social media footage showed a vehicle on fire and blood stains on the street. A large plume of smoke rose from the site. No group immediately claimed responsibility.
Macron's Landmark Visit
Macron arrived in Syria on Monday for the first visit by a Western European head of state since the country's new authorities took power after the fall of the Assad regime. He was greeted at Damascus airport by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and is accompanied by a business delegation.
“I have come to express France’s commitment to the Syrian people. For a sovereign Syria, united in its diversity and at peace with its neighbours,” Macron wrote on X. “Together, let us open a new chapter of stability and peace.”
The visit, which follows Macron's earlier trip to the region as part of a broader European re-engagement with post-conflict Syria, aims to discuss regional security, business, and investment opportunities. The French president's presence underscores Paris's role as a key European player in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
Syria's state-run SANA news agency confirmed the talks covered economic cooperation and stability. The explosions, however, cast a shadow over the diplomatic push, highlighting the fragile security environment that persists in the country after years of civil war.
European Pulse has previously reported on Macron's historic visit to post-Assad Syria, which is seen as a test of whether European nations can help rebuild the country while ensuring accountability and security.
The incident also comes amid heightened tensions across the region. In a separate development, a Damascus funeral procession for cafe bombing victims took place last week, with officials vowing justice. The repeated attacks raise questions about the ability of Syrian authorities to maintain order as they seek international legitimacy.
For France, the timing is politically sensitive. Macron faces domestic challenges, including a Paris court ruling that could end Marine Le Pen's presidential hopes and boost her rival Jordan Bardella. A security incident abroad could be used by opponents to question his judgment.
Nevertheless, the Élysée Palace insisted the visit would proceed as planned. “The president is safe and continues his program,” a French official said. The delegation is expected to hold further meetings on Wednesday, focusing on economic partnerships and humanitarian aid.
The explosions serve as a stark reminder that Syria's path to stability remains uncertain. For European leaders like Macron, engaging with Damascus involves balancing the need for reconstruction with the imperative of security and human rights.
