Explosions reported in Damascus during Macron’s visit to Syria

DAMASCUS: Explosions were reported near the hotel hosting French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to Damascus on Tuesday, prompting heightened security measures, although the French leader was not affected and continued his official engagements.

According to a Syrian security source, roads around the area were sealed off following the blasts, while security was reinforced. A Reuters witness reported hearing explosions and seeing smoke rising near the site of the incident.

The Élysée Palace said the explosions were not audible from Macron’s motorcade, and a Reuters journalist travelling with the French delegation said there was no visible disruption during the president’s scheduled events.

Macron later met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the Presidential Palace, with Syrian state television confirming the meeting proceeded as planned.

The visit marks the first by a European Union head of state since Sharaa’s forces overthrew former president Bashar al-Assad in 2024. It comes as Syria continues to grapple with security challenges despite efforts by the new administration to stabilise the country after more than a decade of conflict.

Sharaa, who has pledged to establish an inclusive political order, has sought to strengthen ties with Western and regional governments as part of broader efforts to rebuild Syria. However, sporadic violence involving militant groups and clashes affecting religious and ethnic communities has continued to pose challenges to the country’s transition.