Two explosions near the Four Seasons hotel in Damascus, where French President Emmanuel Macron had stayed, left at least 18 people injured and revived questions about security in the Syrian capital, even during high-level visits.
The incident near the hotel where Macron had stayed
According to information published by the Syrian authorities, one of the explosions occurred near the Four Seasons hotel in central Damascus, where Macron had stayed before meeting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The Élysée Palace said the French president was not injured and that, at the time of the explosions, he was at the Presidential Palace.
Official version: explosions during the disabling of devices
Syrian state news agency SANA reported that the explosions occurred during efforts by security forces to disable two explosive devices found at the scene.
According to the Syrian Interior Ministry, the devices were homemade and had been placed in a parked vehicle and in a trash bin. One exploded near the Four Seasons hotel, while the other exploded near the Tourism Ministry.
At least 18 injured, including police officers
At least 18 people were injured in the incident, including four police officers, according to official reports.
The Syrian Interior Ministry claims the blast area was outside the security perimeter set for Macron’s stay. Authorities said they have launched an investigation to identify those responsible.
The incident comes after another attack in Damascus
The explosions occurred just days after another attack in Damascus in which, according to reports, nine people were killed and 22 others were injured.
Macron’s visit to Syria is considered unusual, as it is the first official visit by a Western leader to the country since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024. Against this backdrop, the latest incident once again exposes the fragility of security on the ground, despite official assurances.
So far, there is no independent information that fully clarifies the circumstances of the two explosions, while the public version remains that of the Syrian institutions.
For an incident that took place near a presidential visit and in the heart of the capital, questions about the real state of security control remain open.