Explosives devices detonated near the hotel in which French President Emmanuel Macron is staying during a landmark visit to Syria. At least 18 people have been wounded as a result, according to the country's interior ministry.
An Elysee official told Associated Press that Macron was safe and he was already on his way to meet Ahmad al-Sharaa when the incident took place, noting that the meeting continued. Footage shared on social media showed a van and a motorcycle on fire near the Four Seasons Hotel, where Macron was reportedly staying.
The Interior Ministry said one explosive device had been placed in a garbage can and the other in a parked car. Four of those wounded were police officers.
Macron is the first Western leader to visit Syria since al-Sharaa rose to power in 2024 after the end of the civil war that rocked the country for 14 years and the fall of Bashar al-Assad, whose dynasty ruled the country for five decades. He will then make his way to Ankara for the upcoming NATO summit.
"Nothing can smother the aspiration of Syrian women and men to live in a fully sovereign, safe, pluralistic, and united Syria. This morning I met Syria in all its diversity. I saw dignity, courage and determination. My visit continues," Macron said in a social media publication after the explosion.
The AP detailed that Macron is playing a key role in pushing the U.S. and Europe to drop sanctions against Syria after the ascent of al-Sharaa. He is set to sign memorandums of understanding to help the country attract investment to jump start its battered economy.
The outlet noted that days ago another explosive device detonated in a cafe near the Justice Palace in Damascus, killing at least 10 and wounding more than 20. It added that even though the country has seen sectarian violence since al-Sharaa took power, Damascus had been largely peaceful.
