Explosions in Damascus coinciding with Macron's visit
07-07-2026 13:57 Press of Diaspora
Azatutyun. This morning, a series of explosions occurred in the center of Syria's capital, Damascus. According to Reuters, the explosions were heard near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron and members of his accompanying delegation are staying on an official visit to Syria.
Eighteen people were injured in the explosions, including four police officers, the Syrian Ministry of Internal Affairs reported, according to SANA agency.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, law enforcement discovered two explosive devices, but the devices detonated during the deactivation efforts by special units. Preliminary information indicates that both devices were homemade. One was placed in a parked car, and the other in a dumpster.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that the explosion site was outside the security perimeter of Macron's visit and did not pose any immediate threat to him.
Syrian authorities have not yet provided any information regarding the causes of the explosions. Despite the incidents, the schedule for the French president's visit has not been altered.
Just now, Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa received Emmanuel Macron at his residence.
The last French president to visit Syria was Nicolas Sarkozy in 2009, two years before the start of the civil war.
* This text was automatically translated by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
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