Explosions rock Damascus, wounding 4, as French President Macron visits Syria

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Middle East Explosions rock Damascus, wounding 4, as French President Macron visits Syria July 7, 20264:59 AM ET By The Associated Press Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, right, meets French President Emmanuel Macron at the presidential palace in Damascus, Syria on Tuesday. Ghaith Alsayed/AP hide caption toggle caption Ghaith Alsayed/AP DAMASCUS, Syria — Explosions rocked Damascus on Tuesday as France's president met with his Syrian counterpart in a landmark visit, wounding at least four people according to Syrian state media. The foreign fighters who helped topple Assad — and why China worries about them Emmanuel Macron had entered the presidential palace to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa when the explosions happened near the Four Seasons Hotel.

Syrian authorities did not immediately comment on the incident. Syrian media reported that Macron was staying at the Four Seasons. The French president's office said he was safe and that his meeting with al-Sharaa was continuing.

The Details

Macron is the first major Western leader to visit Syria since al-Sharaa came to power and his visit comes before he heads to a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. Sponsor Message Macron played a major role in pushing Europe and the United States to drop most sanctions on Syria. He arrived in the country Monday night with an economic delegation, and is scheduled to sign memorandums of understanding with his counterpart as the battered country tries to lure investors to help it rebuild after 14 years of war.

State television, citing an unnamed security official, reported that the two blasts in the heart of the capital were caused by explosive devices, one placed in a garbage bin and the other in a parked car. The report added that four people were wounded including several police officers, and no deaths were immediately reported. An investigation is currently taking place at the scene of the attack.

A large plume of smoke could be seen from the site. The area is on a busy street in Damascus and is near the headquarters of the Tourism Ministry and the Damascus National Museum. Footage widely circulated on social media showed a van and a motorcycle on fire and blood stains on the street.

What Experts Say

There were no immediate reports of casualties. No group immediately claimed responsibility. The incident comes days after an explosive device was detonated in a cafe near the Justice Palace in Damascus, killing at least 10 people and wounding more than 20.

Sponsor Message The explosions are a blow for al-Sharaa, who came to power after leading an insurgency that ousted Bashar Assad in 2024. He has since pushed to assert full control and bring stability in war-torn Syria, appeal to minorities skeptical of his Islamist-led rule, and win the support of Western governments who were skeptical of his past leadership of the former al-Qaeda-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group. His government has promised political and economic reform after decades of autocratic rule.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.