Explosions in Damascus during Emmanuel Macron’s stay, alarm near the area where the French president was staying

Several explosions were heard in Damascus this Tuesday, at a time when French President Emmanuel Macron was on an official visit to the Syrian capital.

According to AFP and Reuters, the explosions were recorded near the area where the French head of state was staying. Witnesses at the scene said they saw plumes of smoke rising near the hotel where Macron had spent the night, while the area housing the Syrian Ministry of Tourism is also reported to have been hit.

Macron had left the hotel in the early hours of the morning to hold the scheduled meetings at the presidential palace.

So far, the reasons for the explosions remain unclear and the authorities have not announced whether there were any victims or injuries. After the incident, the surrounding roads were closed and strong security measures were put in place.

This visit by the French president is considered historic because it is the first trip to Syria by a leader from a European Union country since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in 2024 by rebel forces led by President Ahmed Sharaa.

Syrian authorities have still not issued an official response on the nature of the explosions, while investigations are continuing.