Explosions in Damascus near Macron's hotel leave injured

The explosions highlighted the security challenges in Syria at the beginning of the post-Bashar Al-Assad era. Macron is the first head of state from a major European Union country to visit the country since rebels led by Sharaa overthrew the Syrian dictator in 2024. The first explosion occurred shortly after Macron's convoy left the area towards the presidential palace. Images from Reuters news agency showed flames and smoke rising from a dumpster as a second explosion was recorded on cameras just meters away. The second detonation occurred next to an ambulance parked at the scene, where around two dozen people had gathered. (See above) Flames and thick black smoke were seen coming from an area near shops in the background as emergency crews worked to contain the fire. An explosion occurs on a street in Damascus, Syria, near the hotel where the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, is staying during a state visit on July 7, 2026. REUTERS/Yamam Al Shaar A Reuters video showed Macron's convoy heading along a highway towards the presidential palace before the explosions. Photographs later showed the French president standing next to Sharaa and meeting with other Syrian officials and military officers. Syrian police forces have begun search operations to identify those responsible, state broadcaster Al-Ekhbariya reported, citing a security source. Roads were blocked and security measures were implemented following the explosions, a local official told Reuters. The French Presidency stated that the explosions were not audible in the presidential convoy, and a Reuters journalist who accompanied Macron did not hear the detonations or notice any unusual movement during the morning's appointments. Macron's office said the French president intended to maintain the day's agenda despite the explosions. Syrian political transformation French President Emmanuel Macron (left) greets Syrian President Ahmed Al-Shaara during a state visit in Damascus, Syria, July 7, 2026. REUTERS/Mahmoud Hassano Macron's visit was intended to highlight Syria's political transformation under Al-Sharaa, which has established close ties with Western and Middle Eastern powers that had previously isolated Assad. The new Syrian government is also seeking to rebuild a country devastated by 13 years of war. During the Syrian conflict, several militant groups, including the Islamic State, gained a presence in the country. Last week, a bomb blast at a cafe in Damascus killed nine people and injured 20 others. There was no claim of responsibility. Islamic State has claimed a series of attacks against government forces in Syria since February, when the jihadist group announced what it described as a new phase of operations against the Sharaa government. Sharaa, a member of Syria's Sunni Muslim majority, has vowed to build a new inclusive order in the country after ending more than five decades of authoritarian rule by the Assad family. However, that promise has been tested by episodes of violence pitting pro-government forces against members of religious and ethnic minorities, with many hundreds killed last year.