Explosions Near Hotel in Damascus During Macron Visit – President Unharmed

Damascus – 07.07.2026: During the official visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to the Syrian capital, several improvised explosive devices detonated in the morning near the hotel where he had previously stayed. According to consistent statements from the Élysée and Syrian security circles, Macron was in the presidential palace at the time of the detonations for talks with Syria’s head of state Ahmed al-Charaa. The French presidency stated that the president was unharmed; his schedule will be reviewed in close coordination with security services.

Syrian authorities reported at least 18 injured, including civilians and members of the security forces. Several emergency vehicles and bomb disposal teams secured the area around the affected downtown hotel. Images from the vicinity showed shattered windows and damaged facades. No one formally claimed responsibility at first. Investigators are examining whether the detonations were triggered in a coordinated manner and whether they were related in space or time to the high-level visit. Independent confirmation of the details was not initially available.

Macron’s meeting with al-Charaa in the presidential palace took place as planned, according to media reports, albeit under tightened conditions. Paris said the talks aim at resuming technical contacts on consular matters as well as on security issues with a regional dimension. Observers point out that state visits to Damascus have been rare for years and always require a substantial security arrangement. Despite increased controls, the Syrian capital is still considered vulnerable to attacks with improvised explosive devices.

Diplomatic circles say France is sticking to the line of raising human rights issues and the protection of humanitarian access in contacts with Damascus. At the same time, security experts point to the need for reliable communication channels, for example in consular emergencies or in combating cross-border crime. Whether the explosions will affect possible agreements remained unclear. The Élysée spoke of an ongoing assessment; additional measures for the French delegation were put in place.

The area around the hotel remained cordoned off widely at midday. Traffic was rerouted, and specialists examined further suspicious items. International missions in Damascus reminded their staff of existing security protocols. Local notices advise increased caution for residents and travelers, especially near state facilities, major chain hotels, and transport hubs. Syrian authorities said they would provide further details on the injured and the extent of the damage later in the day.