Explosions injure 18 in Damascus during Macron’s visit

A number of people have been injured after explosive devices went off in central Damascus, reportedly near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron had been staying.

A security source told the BBC the blasts were caused by two devices. Eighteen people, including four police officers, were injured, Syrian media said.

Macron is in the capital for talks with his Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace. His officials said he was safe and did not hear the explosions.

After travelling to Syria, Macron is set to head to Turkey for the Nato summit. The visit “continues as planned”, according to the Elysee Palace.

Following reports of explosions in the city, videos and images on social media showed plumes of smoke and flames rising from a vehicle near a hotel in the Syrian capital.

As those reports came in, Syrian state television said that al-Sharaa had welcomed Macron to the presidential palace.

BBC Verify analysis of blast footage located the explosions at approximately 125m from the Four Seasons hotel, on a major thoroughfare running through the capital.

Writing on social media after the explosions, Macron said: “Nothing can smother the aspiration of Syrian women and men to live in a fully sovereign, safe, pluralistic, and united Syria.

“This morning I met Syria in all its diversity. I saw dignity, courage, and determination. My visit continues.”