An explosion was heard in central Damascus on Tuesday as French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Syrian capital, AFP journalists said, with witnesses reporting smoke rising near a high-end hotel where the leader spent the night.
At least one blast was heard before ambulances rushed to the scene, while Macron, the first Western European leader to visit Syria since the 2024 fall of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, held talks with his Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace.
Roads were sealed off and security measures were implemented after the blast.
A Reuters witness heard explosions in the vicinity and smoke was seen rising.
The Elysee said the blasts were not audible from the presidential motorcade and a Reuters journalist with the press group accompanying Macron did not hear the blast or see any commotion during the French president’s morning events.
State television later reported that Macron and Sharaa had met at the Syrian Presidential Palace.
More to follow.
