Explosions occurred near the hotel where President Emmanuel Macron was staying during his visit to Damascus, Syria, aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
People near the hotel said they heard a powerful explosion on the morning of July 7, 2026, after which they saw a large plume of smoke rising.
The French President’s office, the Élysée, stated that Macron, who was traveling in a convoy accompanying the Head of State, did not hear the sound of the explosions and that he was safe.
Immediately after the explosions occurred, all roads leading to the hotel were closed, and residents were prevented from passing through the area as security measures were tightened.
Following these reports, Syria’s state television broadcast footage of Macron being received by the country’s President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, at the Presidential Palace.
Macron has become the first head of state from the European Union (EU) to visit the country since 2024, when rebel forces led by Sharaa overthrew the government of Bashar al-Assad.
Macron’s visit highlights major political changes in Syria since Sharaa came to power. The former figure who was previously linked to the Al Qaeda militant group has pledged to cooperate with Western countries that had been at odds with Assad.
President Sharaa says he chose to work with these developed nations in order to help rebuild Syria, which was devastated by the 13-year war that took place during Assad’s rule.
Sharaa, who is a Sunni Muslim, has promised citizens that he will build a new Syria based on unity and tolerance, while ending authoritarian rule.
Despite this vision, Syria continues to face challenges in rebuilding itself due to clashes between government forces and armed groups linked to religious and ethnic factions.
