Bombs Explode Near Hotel Hosting Macron in Syria

Two bombs exploded near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus, where French President Emmanuel Macron was holding meetings on Tuesday. Syrian state media reported that the blasts in a busy district injured 18 people, including four police officers.

The French presidency said Macron was not affected by the explosions, which occurred shortly after his motorcade had left the area. As planned, he went on to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa.

The first explosion struck a trash bin, while the second damaged a nearby ambulance as emergency responders were arriving at the scene. Police quickly sealed off the area and launched a search for those responsible. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Syria continues to face a threat from the Islamic State group, which has intensified attacks against al-Sharaa's government since February. Last week, for example, a bomb attack on a café in Damascus killed at least nine civilians and injured 20 others.

Macron's visit marked the first by the leader of a major EU country since rebels led by al-Sharaa overthrew Bashar al-Assad's regime in 2024. The trip was intended to demonstrate support for Syria's political transition and post-war reconstruction after 13 years of civil war.

(Reuters, Max)