Explosions in Damascus as France’s Macron visits Syria

Elysee said that bombs exploded near the hotel where Emmanuel Macron was staying in Syria, but the French president did not hear the explosions and met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara shortly after.

Tuesday’s explosions underscore major security challenges in Syria, where Macron is the first head of state of a European Union country to visit since Shara-led rebels toppled Bashar al-Assad in 2024.

A Reuters witness heard explosions and saw smoke rising nearby. The security source said the roads were closed and security measures were implemented.

The Elysee said the explosions were not heard from the presidential motorcade, and a Reuters reporter with the press group accompanying Macron did not hear the explosion or see any commotion during the French president’s morning events.

State television later reported that Macron and Sharaa met at the Syrian Presidential Palace.

Macron’s visit highlighted Syria’s geopolitical transformation under former Al Qaeda commander Sharaa, who has established close ties with Western and Middle Eastern powers that have sidelined Assad as he seeks to rebuild a country torn by 13 years of war.

During the Syrian conflict, a number of militant groups, including the Islamic State, have gained a foothold in the country. Sharaa, a member of Syria’s Sunni Muslim majority, has vowed to establish an inclusive new order in Syria since the Assad family ended more than five decades of iron-fisted rule.

But his promise was tested by violence between pro-government forces and members of religious and ethnic minority groups, with hundreds killed in 2025.