At least two explosions were heard near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron is staying during his official visit to Syria.
According to the Syrian security, one bomb was placed in a dumpster and another inside a vehicle near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus.
Security forces sealed off surrounding roads and implemented security measures immediately following the explosions. A witness reported hearing the blasts and observing smoke rising from the area.
The Elysee stated that Macron did not hear the blasts. The French presidential motorcade had already departed the hotel for the presidential palace before the explosions took place.
A journalist traveling with the official French press group reported hearing no explosions or witnessing any disruption during the morning schedule.
The French president arrived safely at the presidential palace and held a meeting with his Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa shortly after the incident.
Macron is the first head of state from a European Union nation to visit Syria since the 2024 transition of power, when rebel forces led by Sharaa overthrew Bashar al-Assad.
