Explosions rock Damascus near hotel hosting French president

Macron had left the hotel about 15 minutes before the explosions.

By World Israel News Staff

Multiple loud explosions rocked central Damascus on Tuesday, just minutes after French President Emmanuel Macron’s motorcade departed the Four Seasons Hotel for the presidential palace.

According to Syria’s state news agency, 18 people were injured in the blasts, including four police officers.

Reuters footage showed flames and smoke rising from a trash can after the first explosion, while a second blast occurred moments later, just a few meters away, next to an ambulance that had arrived at the scene.

Saudi broadcaster Al-Hadath reported that Macron had left the hotel about 15 minutes before the explosions.

🇸🇾🇫🇷 Update on the Damascus explosions: 3 blasts reportedly hit near the hotel where French President Macron is staying.

Additional explosions were also reported near Syria’s Tourism Ministry, in the same neighborhood.

Macron is reportedly at the Damascus presidential palace… https://t.co/W0h6MPHjSX pic.twitter.com/dOMR9qTkTO

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 7, 2026

The French president’s office later confirmed that he was unharmed, saying he “did not even hear the explosions” because he was already en route to the presidential palace, where his meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa continued as planned.

A Syrian security source said two improvised explosive devices detonated in the area. Security forces have launched an investigation and are searching for those responsible.

Macron arrived in Damascus on Monday, becoming the first major Western leader to visit Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. His visit comes ahead of this week’s NATO summit in Ankara, where alliance leaders are expected to discuss regional security and defense cooperation.

Ahmed al-SharaaDamascus explosionsEmmanuel Macron