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Explosions rock Damascus as France's Macron visits Syria
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Explosions occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron's meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, injuring at least 18 people, including four police officers, with no immediate fatalities reported.
- Macron, the first major Western leader to visit Syria since al-Sharaa took power, continued his meeting despite the blasts and is in Syria to promote economic cooperation and sign memorandums aimed at rebuilding the war-torn country.
- The Syrian Interior Ministry stated the blasts were caused by explosive devices placed in a garbage bin and a parked car, and an investigation is underway; no group has claimed responsibility.
- The attack follows a recent deadly explosion in Damascus that killed at least 10 people, highlighting ongoing security challenges despite relative calm in the capital.
- Al-Sharaa, who came to power after ousting Bashar Assad in 2024, seeks to stabilize Syria, implement reforms, and gain Western support amid the country's extensive humanitarian and infrastructural crises after 14 years of conflict.
