According to media reports from Reuters and France 24 TV, two explosions occurred near a hotel where French President Macron was staying during his visit to Syria on July 7. The first explosion happened shortly after Macron's convoy set off towards the Syrian presidential palace. The Élysée Palace stated that neither the presidential convoy nor anyone else heard any explosions, and Macron was unharmed.
Explosion site. Reuters
It is reported that the explosion occurred in a busy area of Damascus, the capital of Syria, between the Syrian Tourism Ministry and the National Museum. The hotel where Emmanuel Macron was staying is located nearby. The explosion caused 18 people to be injured, including four police officers.
Before the explosion, Macron’s convoy was driving along the highway towards the Syrian presidential palace. The footage showed a trash can suddenly spewing flames and smoke, followed by another explosion near an ambulance at the scene.
Markel's visit is the first time in the history of Syria's transitional government that a leader from a Western power has visited Syria.
Reuters believes that the latest explosion highlights the significant security challenges faced by Syria. Just last week, a bomb attack at a café in Damascus resulted in at least 9 deaths and 20 injuries, with no perpetrator being identified.
