Explosions heard in Damascus during visit by France's President Emmanuel Macron

Published on

07/07/2026 - 9:40 GMT+2

Two explosions have been reported in the Syrian capital Damascus near the headquarters of the Ministry of Tourism, in an area of the city where French President Emmanuel Macron is staying.

Local media report that the blasts were caused by a series of explosive devices that detonated around the hotel, with no immediate information on any casualties or the extent of the damage.

No group has claimed responsibility for the incident so far.

Macron arrived in Syria on Monday for the first visit by a Western European head of state since Syria's new authorities took power.

Syria’s state-run SANA news agency said Macron was visiting with a business delegation to discuss regional security as well as business and investment opportunities.

The French president was greeted at Damascus airport by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani.

“I have come to express France’s commitment to the Syrian people. For a sovereign Syria, united in its diversity and at peace with its neighbours,” Macron said in a post on X.

“Together, let us open a new chapter of stability and peace.”

This is a developing story and our journalists are working on further updates.