Twin blasts rock Damascus during Macron’s Syria visit

Two explosions hit central Damascus on Tuesday, wounding at least 18 people, including four police officers, Syrian state news agency said, as French President Emmanuel Macron held talks with Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa in the capital.

Syria’s interior ministry said the blasts were caused by two improvised devices, the first planted inside a car parked on the roadside near the Tourism Ministry, and the second placed inside a rubbish container.

Local sources told Anadolu Agency that the bombs were fitted to a minibus and a bin on one of Damascus’s busiest streets, close to the hotel where Macron is staying during his visit. The explosions occured while Macron was meeting al Sharaa at the Presidential Palace, according to the sources.

The French Presidency said Macron remained safe and was continuing his visit despite the blasts. Alikhbariah TV aired footage of the French president alongside al Sharaa at the palace following the explosions, with the two leaders expected to attend a ceremony to sign several bilateral agreements.