French President Emmanuel Macron continued his official visit to Syria on Tuesday despite multiple bomb explosions near the hotel where he was staying in the capital, Damascus.
The explosions prompted Syrian security forces to cordon off nearby roads and tighten security around the area. However, the French presidency said Macron was unaware of the incident because the blasts were not audible from his presidential motorcade.
French officials said the president’s schedule remained unchanged, and he proceeded with his planned engagements. Journalists travelling with the French delegation also reported no signs of panic or disruption during the morning activities.
Macron later met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the Presidential Palace, according to Syrian state television.
The visit marks the first by a European Union head of state since the 2024 overthrow of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by rebel forces led by al-Sharaa.
Witnesses reported hearing loud explosions and seeing smoke rising into the sky as security personnel quickly secured the affected area.
Macron’s visit comes as Syria seeks to rebuild diplomatic relations with the international community under al-Sharaa’s administration. However, the country continues to face serious security challenges after more than a decade of civil war and extremist violence.
Although the Syrian government has pledged to establish a more inclusive political system following the end of the Assad family’s decades-long rule, Syria has continued to experience sectarian and ethnic violence, with clashes involving pro-government forces and minority groups leaving hundreds dead over the past year.
