Two explosions rocked central Damascus on Tuesday as French President Emmanuel Macron arrived for a landmark diplomatic visit. While the Syrian Ministry of Interior reported 18 injuries, the French presidential office confirmed Macron remained unharmed and proceeded with scheduled meetings with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. No group has claimed responsibility for the blasts, which occurred near the Ministry of Tourism and the Four Seasons Hotel.
What happened during the Damascus explosions?
The explosions took place shortly after President Macron’s motorcade departed the Four Seasons Hotel for the presidential palace, according to reports from Reuters and AFP. Footage captured by Reuters showed flames and smoke rising from a rubbish bin, followed by a second blast near a parked ambulance. Al Jazeera’s Obaida Hitto reported that while the city center was busy at the time, the situation at the presidential palace remained calm.
Syria’s Ministry of Interior stated that the explosives were discovered by security forces, who were attempting to dismantle them when they detonated. Authorities confirmed that the blasts occurred outside the designated security perimeter protecting the French delegation. The ministry reported 18 casualties, including four police officers, as investigations into the perpetrators continue.
Why is this visit significant for Syria?
Macron’s trip marks the first visit by a European head of state to Syria since the 2024 ouster of Bashar al-Assad. President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assumed power following the civil war, is utilizing the visit to signal a shift in Syria’s international standing. According to Al Jazeera, the Syrian government is positioning the visit as a gateway to re-engaging with the Western world.
This visit follows a separate security incident on the previous Thursday, when an explosive device detonated in a cafe near the Palace of Justice, resulting in at least 10 deaths and 20 injuries.
How will France and Syria collaborate on reconstruction?
Economic cooperation is a central theme of the visit. President Macron announced that France intends to support the rebuilding of Syria’s economy, specifically targeting the banking, aviation, and energy sectors. Al-Sharaa described France as a “primary partner” for Syria, noting the country’s potential role in global transit routes.
Concrete agreements are already moving forward. According to the French president’s office, the shipping firm CMA CGM has signed a deal to handle air freight at Damascus International Airport. Additionally, the French government has begun the process of returning 51 million euros ($58.3 million) to Syria—assets previously confiscated from Rifaat al-Assad, the late uncle of Bashar al-Assad, following his conviction for money laundering.
What are the security risks moving forward?
Security experts have expressed concerns regarding the state of stability in Damascus. Kamal Abdeo, a researcher at the University of Idlib, characterized the incident as a “big security breach,” noting that the explosive devices were likely planted overnight. Similarly, Syrian security expert Ismat al-Absi warned that the attack was designed to “create unrest and send a negative message” about the current administration.
FAQ
- Was President Macron injured in the attack? No. The French president’s office stated he was unaware of the explosions at the time and arrived safely at the presidential palace.
- Has anyone claimed responsibility for the blasts? No group has claimed responsibility as of Tuesday.
- Will the Syrian president still attend the NATO summit? It remains unclear if President al-Sharaa will proceed with his planned trip to the NATO summit to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump.
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