18 Injured In Damascus Explosions Near French President Emmanuel Macron’s Hotel
At least 18 people including four police officers were injured in two explosions reported in Damascus, Syria, on Tuesday, close to the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying.
Explosives, described as “crude in construction” by Syrian authorities, were planted inside a car parked on the side of the road and inside a trash can, the SANA news agency reported.
The devices detonated about 410 feet from the Four Seasons hotel in a busy area, according to the BBC, and footage shared on social media showed smoke billowing into the air.
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Video also shared online showed a van and motorcycle ablaze and blood stains on the street.
Faraj al-Qashquosh, the country’s deputy tourism minister, was among the 18 people injured.
“Investigations are ongoing to uncover the circumstances of the attack and identify those involved,” the country’s Ministry of the Interior told SANA.
Windows of the Ministry of Tourism, which faces the hotel, were shattered by the impact of the blasts.
Macron reportedly didn’t hear the blasts as he was traveling to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, according to the Elysee Palace.
The explosions have not impacted his schedule, the palace confirmed.
Macron arrived in Syria Monday and his visit is the first by a Western leader since President Bashar al-Assad was toppled in December 2024.
