Two explosions occurred in the Syrian capital Damascus, near the headquarters of the Ministry of Tourism, in an area where the French President Emmanuel Macron is staying, according to international media.
Local media report that the explosions were caused by a series of explosive devices detonated near the hotel where the French delegation is located.
So far there is no information regarding casualties, while the extent of the damage remains unknown. No organization has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Explosions surprise Damascus
"The explosions took place as a surprise to everyone here," stated the Aljazeera correspondent Hitto, adding that "the situation is a continuation of what happened a few days before the president's arrival."
According to him, an explosion near the central court of Damascus had preceded, an event which "also caused tension in the city" before the visit of the French President Emmanuel Macron.
Situation calm at the Presidential Palace
Despite the explosions, the situation at the Presidential Palace, where Macron and the President of Syria Ahmed al-Sharaa are currently located, is characterized as "quite calm."
However, Hitto underlined that the explosions constitute "an unexpected event," especially as they occurred during the first visit of a major European leader to Damascus after the fall of the Assad regime.
"It reminds us how sensitive and fragile the security situation remains in the country," he noted characteristically.
First visit by a Western leader since the change of power in Syria
Emmanuel Macron arrived in Syria on Monday, July 6, 2026, making the first visit by a Western European head of state since the new Syrian authorities took power.
The state news agency of Syria SANA reported that the French President is accompanied by a business delegation and his talks are focused on regional security, as well as on the potential for business cooperation and investments.
Macron was welcomed at the Damascus airport by the Foreign Minister of Syria Asaad al-Shibani.
Macron: "New chapter of stability and peace"
In a post on platform X, the French President stated that his visit constitutes a message of support toward the Syrian people.
"I came to express the commitment of France toward the Syrian people. For a sovereign Syria, united within its diversity and peaceful with its neighbors," Macron stated.
"Together, let us open a new chapter of stability and peace," he added.
The explosions, which occurred at a highly symbolic moment in time, raise new questions about security in the Syrian capital, at a time when the country is attempting to reposition itself on the international stage.
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