Explosions heard in Damascus during visit by France's President Emmanuel Macron

By Gavin Blackburn Published on 07/07/2026 - 9:40 GMT+2•Updated 11:01 Share Comments Add Euronews on Google Share Facebook Twitter Flipboard Send Reddit Linkedin Messenger Telegram VK Bluesky Threads Whatsapp Macron had entered the presidential palace to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa when the explosions happened near the Four Seasons Hotel. Explosions rocked Damascus on Tuesday as France’s president met with his Syrian counterpart in a landmark visit. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT 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. Two explosions were heard in the heart of the capital, Syrian newspaper Al-Watan and Syria TV network reported. A large plume of smoke could be seen from the site. Footage widely circulated on social media showed a vehicle on fire and blood stains on the street. Syrian officials said 18 people, including four police officers, were wounded in the blasts. Paris said Macron is unharmed and continuing his visit as scheduled. No group immediately claimed responsibility. The convoy of French President Emmanuel Macron enters Damascus after arriving in Syria, 6 July, 2026 AP Photo Macron arrived in Syria on Monday for the first visit by a Western European head of state since Syria's new authorities took power. Syria’s state-run SANA news agency said Macron was visiting with a business delegation to discuss regional security as well as business and investment opportunities. The French president was greeted at Damascus airport by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani. “I have come to express France’s commitment to the Syrian people. For a sovereign Syria, united in its diversity and at peace with its neighbours,” Macron said in a post on X. “Together, let us open a new chapter of stability and peace.” This is a developing story and our journalists are working on further updates. Go to accessibility shortcuts Share Comments Add Euronews on Google Read more Macron arrives in Syria for first post-Assad visit by western European leader Mourners in Damascus bury cafe bomb blast victims as officials promise justice Two former Syrian officials accused of torture during al-Assad era go on trial in Austria Explosion Syria France Emmanuel Macron news