In brief
French President Emmanuel Macron is safe following reports of explosions in central Damascus while attending talks with Syrian counterpart Ahmed al‑Sharaa. The blasts came from two devices, wounded several people, and occurred near the Four Seasons hotel. Macron did not hear the blasts en route and the visit continues, after his arrival marks him as the first EU leader to visit since the fall of Bashar al‑Assad. He will next go to Turkey for a NATO summit.
French President Emmanuel Macron is safe following reports of explosions in central Damascus on Tuesday morning, the Elysee Palace said.
Macron arrived in Syria on Monday evening and is attending talks with his counterpart Ahmed al‑Sharaa at a presidential palace. He will then travel to Turkey for a NATO summit, the palace said.
The blasts reportedly came from two explosive devices and wounded several people, a security source told the BBC. Video footage suggests the explosions were about 125 meters from the Four Seasons hotel on Shoukry al‑Quowatly street.
Macron did not hear any explosions while moving to the meeting, his officials said, and the visit continued as planned.
The Syrian visit makes him the first EU leader to go to the country since the 24‑year reign of Bashar al‑Assad ended.
Earlier this month, a bomb blast at a crowded café in downtown Damascus killed at least nine people and injured 22, Syrian state media reported.
