At least two explosions were reported in the Syrian capital of Damascus on Tuesday, Syrian state media said, during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron. The explosions occurred near the Ministry of Tourism building and injured at least 18 people, including four security personnel, according to the Syrian Arab News Agency.
Macron, the first major Western leader to visit Syria since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, arrived in Damascus on Monday. He was in the city to meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose Hayat Tahrir al-Sham coalition led a rebel offensive that resulted in Assad's departure.
Macron posted on X upon his arrival, stating, "I have come to express France's commitment to the Syrian people. For a sovereign Syria, united in its diversity and at peace with its neighbors. Together, let us open a new chapter of stability and peace."
Last week, a separate incident involving an explosive device in a Damascus cafe resulted in at least 10 deaths and 20 injuries. The cause of Tuesday's explosions and any immediate comment from Syrian authorities were not immediately clear.