At least 18 injured in Damascus blasts during Macron's visit to Syria

The injured included four police officers, the international media report

DAMASCUS: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-July 7th, 2026) At least 18 people were injured in two explosions that struck the Syrian capital, Damascus, during French President Emmanuel Macron's official visit to the country, according to media reports.

The international media reported that the injured included four police officers. The blasts occurred near a hotel where President Macron was holding a meeting with representatives of Syrian civil society.

According to Syrian state media, the first explosion took place shortly after the French president's motorcade departed the hotel for the presidential palace.

The second blast occurred near an ambulance parked close to the scene, where around two dozen people had gathered. Witnesses reported seeing flames and thick black smoke rising from an area near nearby shops following the explosions.

Syrian security forces immediately launched a search operation to trace those responsible for the attacks.

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Authorities cordoned off the area, tightened security, and began an investigation into the twin blasts.

Despite the explosions, the French presidency said the incident had no direct impact on President Macron or his delegation. According to the Élysée Palace, neither the president's convoy nor the journalists travelling with him heard the explosions or witnessed any emergency situation.

The French presidential office said President Macron had decided to continue with his scheduled engagements in Damascus despite the incident.

The motive behind the explosions has not yet been established, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Syrian authorities said investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the blasts.