Explosions Near Macron's Hotel in Damascus Leave Three Dead During Historic Syria Visit

A series of explosions struck near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying in Damascus on Tuesday, according to a report by Reuters. The blasts occurred close to the location where Macron was lodging during his visit to the Syrian capital.

Syrian state television reported that Macron had arrived at the Presidential Palace in Damascus. Meanwhile, the Saudi news channel Al Hadath reported that "the French president's convoy left the place where he was staying about 15 minutes before the explosion."

According to Syrian reports, the explosions were caused by improvised explosive devices, and security forces have launched a manhunt for those responsible. A source speaking to AFP said that one of the devices had been concealed inside a trash bin, while another exploded inside a vehicle.

Syrian media reported that three people were killed and several others were injured, including members of Syrian President Ahmad al Sharaa's security detail. Authorities imposed a curfew in the area following the attack, and nearby roads were closed to traffic.

The explosions occurred during Macron's official visit to Syria. He arrived in the country on Monday, becoming the first leader of a major Western power to visit Syria since the outbreak of the country's civil war in 2011.

The visit comes at a particularly sensitive time for Syria following the change in government after the fall of Bashar al Assad's regime at the end of 2024.

During his stay in Damascus, Macron was welcomed by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al Shaibani. He was accompanied by a French delegation that included senior executives from leading shipping and energy companies. The delegation is expected to participate in discussions focused on Syria's reconstruction and the exploration of future investment opportunities in the country.