Damascus Blasts Injure 18 Near Macron's Hotel as French President Keeps Syria Visit
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jul 7
Damascus Blasts Injure 18 Near Macron's Hotel as French President Keeps Syria Visit
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jul 7
Summary
Two explosive devices detonated about 125 meters from Damascus's Four Seasons hotel, injuring 18 people — including four police officers — while Emmanuel Macron was in the Syrian capital.
Macron was unharmed and did not hear the blasts en route to talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa; the Elysee Palace said the visit would continue as planned.
Video reviewed by BBC Verify showed smoke and flames rising from a vehicle on Shoukry al-Quowatly, a main central Damascus thoroughfare near the hotel.
The attack hit during Macron's first trip to Syria, making him the first EU leader to visit since Bashar al-Assad's 24-year rule fell.
The blasts also underscored persistent security risks in the capital after a bomb at a crowded central Damascus cafe killed at least nine people earlier this month.
Who stands to gain from disrupting Syria's rapprochement with the West during Macron's landmark visit?
As Europe embraces Syria’s new leader, what does this attack reveal about his actual control over the country?
With billions in reconstruction at stake, will this Damascus bombing deter the foreign investment needed to rebuild Syria?
18 Wounded in Damascus Explosions Amid Macron’s Landmark Visit: Implications for Syria’s Stability and International Reintegration
Overview
On July 7, 2026, two IED explosions struck central Damascus near the Ministry of Tourism and the Four Seasons Hotel, injuring 18 people, including police officers. One device was a car bomb, while the other was hidden in a trash container. Despite the blasts, French President Emmanuel Macron, who was visiting the city, was unharmed and continued his official schedule. Syrian security forces responded quickly, closing roads and launching an investigation. The attacks occurred during a significant diplomatic visit, highlighting ongoing security challenges as Syria seeks stability and international reintegration after years of conflict.