Multiple Explosions Strike Syrian Capital
Central Damascus experienced two explosive device detonations, resulting in 18 injuries, according to Syrian media. The incidents reportedly occurred in proximity to the hotel accommodating French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit for discussions with Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa.
State news agency Sana reported that security forces identified two devices, which detonated as specialized units attempted to disarm them. One device was located within a parked vehicle, while the other was hidden in a waste bin. President Macron's officials confirmed his safety and stated he did not hear the explosions. Following his visit to Syria, the French president is scheduled to travel to Turkey for the NATO summit.
Investigation Underway
Among the injured were four police officers, Syrian media indicated. The interior ministry has initiated an investigation to identify those responsible for the attack. Social media content shared on Tuesday morning depicted smoke plumes and flames emanating from a vehicle near a hotel in the Syrian capital.
An eyewitness recounted to BBC Arabic's Middle East Daily that they were near the ministry of tourism headquarters when the initial explosion occurred. They further stated that a second explosion happened approximately 20 meters from the first site while security forces were searching for suspicious objects. The first blast caused material damage but no casualties, while the second resulted in injuries to public security forces and traffic police personnel.
BBC Verify analysis pinpointed the explosion sites approximately 125 meters from the Four Seasons hotel, on a major thoroughfare in the capital. Concurrently with reports of the blasts, Syrian state television announced al-Sharaa's welcome of Macron to the presidential palace.
Macron's Statement and Syria's Return to the Global Stage
In a social media post after the explosions, President Macron affirmed, "Nothing can smother the aspiration of Syrian women and men to live in a fully sovereign, safe, pluralistic, and united Syria. This morning I met Syria in all its diversity. I saw dignity, courage, and determination. My visit continues."
Macron arrived in Syria on Monday evening, marking the first visit by an EU leader since al-Sharaa assumed power following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024. This trip highlights Syria's re-engagement with the international community after years of isolation. Al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda commander from Syria's Sunni Muslim majority, has pledged to unify a fractured nation after five decades of Assad family rule and a 13-year civil war.
Ongoing Security Challenges
The Damascus explosions underscore the significant security challenges confronting the authorities, including threats from militant groups such as Islamic State, which has claimed responsibility for recent attacks on government targets. Pro-government forces were also implicated in violence against religious and ethnic minority groups, leading to hundreds of fatalities last year. Earlier in July, a bomb blast at a crowded cafe in central Damascus killed at least nine people and injured 22 others, according to Syrian state media.
Beyond security concerns, Macron's visit is also centered on Syria's challenging economic situation, with reconstruction efforts expected to be a primary focus.
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