Explosions Rock Damascus Near Hotel Where Macron Was Staying During Syria Visit

A series of explosions shook the Syrian capital on Tuesday, striking near the downtown Four Seasons Hotel, where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying during a landmark state visit. The blasts occurred as Macron met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the presidential palace, according to reports from Syrian media and the French president's office.

Coverage Comparison

Two explosions were heard in the heart of Damascus, according to the Syrian newspaper Al-Watan and Syria TV network, as reported by the South China Morning Post. A large plume of smoke was visible from the site, and footage widely shared on social media showed a vehicle on fire and bloodstains on the street. The number of casualties was not immediately clear, and no group claimed responsibility at the time of reporting.

Fox News, citing Syria's interior ministry through state outlet SANA, reported that 18 people, including four police officers, were injured by improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The bombs were placed inside a car and a garbage can near the hotel, the ministry said, and they exploded after security forces had discovered them, while preparations for the disposal operation were underway.

A spokesman for the Élysée Palace told Fox News that Macron was not in his hotel during the explosions and did not hear them. The French president's office confirmed he was safe and that his visit was continuing. Macron subsequently posted a statement on X, without directly commenting on the explosions.

Key Claims

  • Two explosions were reported near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus, as stated by Syrian media outlets Al-Watan and Syria TV, via the South China Morning Post.
  • French President Emmanuel Macron was meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa when the explosions occurred, according to multiple reports.
  • Eighteen people, including four police officers, were injured by IEDs, as reported by Fox News, citing Syria's interior ministry.
  • The bombs were placed in a car and a garbage can near the hotel, per the same ministry report.
  • Macron was not at the hotel during the blasts and continued his visit, according to the Élysée Palace.

Perspectives

Syrian Interior Ministry

Syria's interior ministry, through state outlet SANA, reported the explosions and attributed injuries to IEDs, stating that bombs detonated during disposal preparations.

French Presidency

A spokesman for the Élysée Palace said Macron was safe, not at the hotel during the explosions, and continuing his visit with al-Sharaa.

Syrian Media

Al-Watan and Syria TV reported hearing two explosions in the capital's center, with smoke visible from the site, as cited by the South China Morning Post.

Social Media Footage

Videos circulated online showing a vehicle on fire and bloodstains on the street, as reported by the South China Morning Post, though no casualties were confirmed in that report.