Two explosions rocked Damascus near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying during his visit to Syria on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Macron was unharmed and continued his scheduled meetings, including a high-profile encounter with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The blasts, which injured at least 18 people, including four police officers, occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel, a popular location for foreign dignitaries. One device was placed in a parked car, while another was found in a garbage bin. Syrian authorities reported that the bombs detonated while efforts were underway to dismantle them.
Macron’s visit marks the first by a European Union head of state to Syria since al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda commander, led rebels to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024. The French president emphasized France’s commitment to Syria’s reconstruction, particularly in the banking sector, and met with business leaders, including CEOs from TotalEnergies and CMA CGM. Macron has been a vocal advocate for lifting Western sanctions on Syria, aiming to foster economic ties and stability in the war-torn nation.
The explosions underscored ongoing security challenges in Syria, where al-Sharaa’s government has faced sporadic violence, including clashes between pro-government forces and minority groups. Despite pledges to build an inclusive new order, the country remains fractured after 13 years of conflict. The incident occurred days after a separate bombing near the Justice Palace in Damascus killed 10 people and wounded 20 others. Macron’s visit is part of a broader diplomatic effort ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.