Amid Blasts, Macron Continues Landmark Syria Peace Mission
Amid Blasts, Macron Continues Landmark Syria Peace Mission
French President Emmanuel Macron's historic visit to Damascus is marred by two explosions, injuring 18. Despite the blasts, Macron continues his mission to foster peace and reconstruction in post-Assad Syria. #Syria #Mac
Damascus, Syria was rocked by two explosions on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, during the historic visit of French President Emmanuel Macron. The blasts, which occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel where President Macron had been staying, left at least 18 people wounded, including four police officers. Security forces swiftly cordoned off the area, with ambulances rushing to the scene amidst a rising plume of smoke.
According to a Syrian security source, the explosions were caused by two bombs, one placed in a dumpster and the other in a vehicle. Fortunately, President Macron had already departed from the hotel and arrived at the presidential palace for a crucial meeting with his Syrian counterpart, Ahmed al-Sharaa, at the time of the incident. An AFP photographer reported seeing damaged windows opposite the hotel and a heavy security presence. One witness, Hamam Hammoud, an employee at a money exchange company, described seeing three traffic police officers injured on the ground before the area was evacuated.
Despite the unsettling turn of events, the Elysee Palace confirmed that President Macron would proceed with his trip. His visit marks a significant moment as he is the first Western European leader to visit Syria since the fall of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in 2024. The agenda for his meeting with President Sharaa includes discussions on post-war reconstruction and a strong call for "unity" and "plurality" within Syria. Macron had also met with civil society representatives earlier.
The security concerns surrounding this high-profile visit were evident even before his arrival. President Macron had deliberately postponed announcing the date of his trip until his plane landed in Damascus on Monday, July 6, 2026. This incident follows another recent act of violence in Damascus, where 10 people were killed in a cafe bombing just five days prior, on Thursday, July 2, 2026. Following his meeting with President Sharaa, Macron is slated to participate in an "economic" event, signaling his commitment to Syria's recovery despite the ongoing threats.
