Explosions rock Damascus as French President Macron visits Syria

Explosions rocked Damascus on Tuesday as France’s President Emmanuel Macron met with his Syrian counterpart President Ahmad al-Sharaa in a landmark visit. Macron had entered the presidential palace to meet al-Sharaa when the explosions happened near the Four Seasons Hotel. Syrian authorities did not immediately comment on the incident. At least two explosions struck central Damascus on near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying, highlighting the country's fragile security situation even as Western leaders seek to rebuild ties with its new leadership.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.

Explosions Next To President Macron's Hotel In Damascus - Reuters, Citing Sources

The President reportedly left the area shortly before the incident.

He is the first major leader from the EU to visit Damascus since the fall of Assad.

@omar_alharir pic.twitter.com/0abrH1frjO

— RT_India (@RT_India_news) July 7, 2026

According to Reuters, bombs exploded near Macron's hotel, though the French president did not hear the blasts and proceeded with his scheduled meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.Despite the explosions, Syrian state television later showed Macron and al-Sharaa meeting at the presidential palace.

NEWS : Despite explosions in Damascus, Syria, French President Macron—notably wearing his sunglasses—proceeded with his visit.

Alongside Syrian President Assad, he is holding a joint press conference to finalize key investment pacts, refusing to leave empty-handed. https://t.co/4VjUITmxRA pic.twitter.com/1Etdd6RSP6

— Inside the conflict (@InsidConflict) July 7, 2026

The explosion has wounded over 18 people, Associated Press reported.  No group immediately claimed responsibility. The Elysee Palace later confirmed Macron was safe and that his visit would continue. The incident comes just days after an explosive device detonated at a café near Damascus' Justice Palace, killing at least 10 people and injuring 20.
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.
Macron's visit is focused on Syria's reconstruction, restoring diplomatic engagement and encouraging an inclusive political transition. He is accompanied by senior French business leaders, including executives from Total Energies and CMA CGM, reflecting France's interest in supporting the country's economic recovery. 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.