Explosions heard in Damascus during French president Macron's visit

Explosive ​devices blew ​up on Tuesday in Syria's capital Damascus ​near ‌a hotel ⁠where French President Emmanuel ‌Macron was meant to ⁠be staying, a security source said.

At least one blast was heard before ambulances rushed to the scene, while Macron, the first Western European leader to visit Syria since the 2024 fall of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, held talks with Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace.

Roads ​were sealed ‌off and security measures were implemented after ‌the blast. Smoke was seen rising near the high-end hotel where the French leader spent the night.

Macron is the ​first major EU leader ​to visit Damascus since Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was ⁠toppled.

(FRANCE 24 with Reuters and AFP)