Two bomb blasts struck the Syrian capital, Damascus, during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit, injuring at least 18 people. Four police officers were among the wounded, according to Syrian authorities. The explosions raised fresh security concerns during Macron’s high-profile trip to Syria.
According to international media, the blasts occurred near the hotel where Macron was meeting representatives of Syrian civil society. The first explosion happened shortly after the French president’s motorcade departed the hotel for the presidential palace. The second blast occurred near an ambulance parked close to a gathering of about two dozen people.
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Witnesses reported flames and thick black smoke rising near nearby shops after the explosions. Syrian security forces immediately sealed off the area and launched a search operation to identify those responsible. Authorities also tightened security around the blast site to prevent further incidents.
Breaking: The death toll from the explosions in the Syrian capital, Damascus, has risen to three, with dozens of people also injured, coinciding with the French President’s visit to #Syria.
Terrorism Strikes #Damascus Again. pic.twitter.com/gTspMucnu4
— Mohammad Alasakra (@mohammed_asakra) July 7, 2026
Meanwhile, the French presidency said neither Macron nor his delegation was directly affected by the explosions. Officials stated that the blast sounds did not reach the presidential convoy. Journalists travelling with Macron also reported no immediate signs of an emergency involving the delegation.
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The French presidential office confirmed that Macron decided to continue his scheduled engagements despite the incident. In a post on X, Macron said his visit to Syria was continuing as planned, signaling that the attack would not disrupt his diplomatic mission.