A series of explosions in Damascus injured at least 18 people as French President Emmanuel Macron visited Syria. The blasts occurred near the Four Seasons hotel, where Macron was staying, while he met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. This visit marks the first by a Western leader since al-Sharaa took power after the ousting of Bashar Assad in December 2024.
The explosions were reportedly caused by bombs placed in a parked car and a garbage bin on a busy street. Authorities confirmed that both Macron and al-Sharaa were unharmed during the incident. This violence follows a recent bombing in a local cafe that killed ten people, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the capital.
Syria is attempting to rebuild international relations and attract investment after years of civil war, which has devastated the country. The timing of these attacks raises concerns about the stability of the region and the safety of foreign dignitaries visiting Syria.
As the country seeks to emerge from isolation, these incidents could deter potential investors and complicate diplomatic efforts. The lack of claimed responsibility for the attacks adds to the uncertainty surrounding security in Damascus, which remains fragile despite the government’s attempts to project stability.
Source: DW News
