{"id":86529,"date":"2026-07-07T10:12:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-07T10:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gulftimes.ae\/explosions-injure-18-in-damascus-during-macrons-visit\/"},"modified":"2026-07-07T10:12:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T10:12:00","slug":"explosions-injure-18-in-damascus-during-macrons-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gulftimes.ae\/?p=86529","title":{"rendered":"Explosions injure 18 in Damascus during Macron’s visit"},"content":{"rendered":"


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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.<\/b><\/p>\n

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

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

As those reports came in, Syrian state television said that al-Sharaa had welcomed Macron to the presidential palace.<\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“This morning I met Syria in all its diversity. I saw dignity, courage, and determination. My visit continues.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n


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