Two improvised explosive devices detonated in central Damascus on Tuesday morning, wounding 18 people just as French President Emmanuel Macron was en route to a pivotal meeting with Syria’s leader but the explosions came a full fifteen minutes after his motorcade had departed the area, and the official state visit is proceeding without interruption.
The blasts, which occurred near the Ministry of Tourism building in the heart of the Syrian capital, coincided with Macron’s high-stakes diplomatic mission. The Syrian Interior Ministry confirmed to the state-run SANA news agency that 18 individuals sustained injuries, including four police officers who were part of the security detail securing the vicinity.
مشاهد إضافية توثّق لحظة انفجار إحدى العبوتين الناسفتين قرب الفندق الذي يقيم فيه ماكرون في دمشق pic.twitter.com/h9xkyABQ4F
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According to the ministry, internal security forces had detected both explosive devices during routine field operations. Specialized bomb-disposal units were promptly deployed and began the delicate process of dismantling the ordnance; however, the devices detonated while defusing preparations were actively underway. Security personnel immediately established a tight cordon around the site, as sweeping operations were launched to clear and secure the surrounding area.
Preliminary investigations, the ministry added, indicate that the devices were crudely manufactured. The first was concealed inside a parked vehicle, while the second was planted within a garbage container. Authorities confirmed that an extensive investigation is now in progress to determine the full circumstances of the attack and to identify those responsible.
Crucially, the Interior Ministry underscored that the explosions took place outside the designated security perimeter encircling the French president’s residence. Officials stressed that the incident posed no direct threat to the accommodation or to the broader official visit, which is continuing exactly as scheduled.
While Syrian authorities played down the proximity, international wire agencies offered slightly differing assessments. Reuters, citing a local security source, reported that multiple devices detonated in the immediate vicinity of the hotel housing the French delegation. Agence France-Presse (AFP), also relying on security officials, confirmed two explosions near the hotel where Macron had spent the night.
The Élysée Palace moved quickly to reassure the public, stating that President Macron had not heard the blasts. At the time of the detonations, his convoy was already traveling toward the People’s Palace for a scheduled audience with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Reports confirm that the French leader’s motorcade had vacated the residence area approximately fifteen minutes prior to the explosions.
Reaffirming France’s commitment to its diplomatic objectives, the Élysée Palace firmly declared that the state visit would continue unabated, with security protocols having successfully insulated the presidential delegation from the morning’s unrest.
Source: SANA and AL-Manar English Website