Explosions reported near hotel where Macron was staying in Damascus
French President Emmanuel Macron (photo: Getty Images)
A series of explosions was heard near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying during an official visit to Damascus, according to Reuters.
According to security service sources, the explosions occurred shortly before midnight. After that, security forces immediately closed roads and tightened security measures. Witnesses said they heard several explosions, after which smoke began rising above the scene.
Preliminary reports indicate that several explosive devices went off in the immediate vicinity of the French leader's residence.
There is currently no information about casualties or the extent of the damage. The causes of the incident remain unknown, and law enforcement has already launched an investigation.
Explosions reported near hotel where Macron was staying in Damascus pic.twitter.com/yiguy2TN1Y
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The French president's office said that Macron himself did not hear the explosions. At the time of the incident, he was on his way to a scheduled meeting with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.
What preceded it
Emmanuel Macron arrived in Damascus on an official visit, where he is expected to hold talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. During the meeting, the sides plan to discuss security issues, TotalEnergies investments, and the return of Syrian cultural artifacts.
The French leader said the main goal of his trip is to support the Syrian people on the path toward building a sovereign, stable, and peaceful state.
Before this, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had already visited the Syrian capital.
