Explosions shake Damascus just minutes after French President Macron leaves area
Two explosions shook the Syrian capital of Damascus on Monday morning, going off shortly after French President Emmanuel Macron left the area while conducting a historic first visit of a European leader to the war-battered country since the Assad regime fell at the end of 2024.
The Syrian Interior Ministry stated that 18 people, including four police officers, were wounded by explosions near the Ministry of Tourism in Damascus, just outside the security zone established for Macron’s visit.
The area is near the Four Seasons Hotel where Macron spent the night; however, his motorcade left the area minutes before the explosions.
The president’s office confirmed Macron was safe, noting he did not even hear the blasts as he was on the way to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
WILD FOOTAGE: Footage shows blasts erupting close to the Damascus hotel hosting French President Emmanuel Macron. pic.twitter.com/ZIv5dyuRxX
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) July 7, 2026
Macron later stated, “my visit continues,” and declared, “Nothing can smother the aspiration of Syrian women and men to live in a fully sovereign, safe, pluralistic, and united Syria. This morning I met Syria in all its diversity. I saw dignity, courage, and determination.”
According to Syria’s interior ministry, its Internal Security Forces had been tracking the two explosive devices, which exploded just when units had begun dismantling them.
A preliminary examination indicated that they were crudely manufactured, with one being placed inside a car and the other inside a trash bin.
There was no immediate statement regarding potential perpetrators of the attacks.
Macron is the first Western leader to visit Syria since the start of the bloody civil war that destroyed large parts of the country between 2011 and 2024.
#Syria: Macron's official visit continues this morning as planned, with a reception at the Presidential Palace, despite the terror attack.
— Qalaat Al Mudiq (@QalaatAlMudiq) July 7, 2026
The IEDs were concealed in a trash bin and a vehicle.
The explosions occurred near the Ministry of Tourism, an area also close to the Four… https://t.co/b9SkoXpyZg pic.twitter.com/AXSTs1H2XR
His visit is a strong signal that the Western powers intend to rehabilitate the country while recognizing the government of al-Sharaa, a former internationally wanted terror leader with connections to ISIS and al-Qaeda.
Underlining this message, Macron’s delegation included senior business leaders, and the visit is expected to include meetings on reconstruction and new investments in the country.
Shortly after the blasts, Macron was shown by Syrian state television being welcomed by al-Sharaa at the presidential palace. The French presidential office had stressed that the visit would not be limited to “fortified places” but aimed to meet “Syrians representing the full range of political views, religions, and aspirations.”
18 years apart. Let that sink in. https://t.co/b9SkoXpyZg pic.twitter.com/01mPLwUfNm
— Qalaat Al Mudiq (@QalaatAlMudiq) July 6, 2026
The Élysée Palace also noted Macron would promote a Syria that would help “moderate” tensions in the Middle East, without mentioning the role of government-affiliated troops in the bloody attacks on minorities throughout the country.
Macron has taken a leading role in rebuilding ties between Europe and Syria, having already been the first Western leader to welcome Sharaa in Paris in May 2025.
Despite the outreach, the latest terror attack highlights the struggle of the new Syrian government in imposing order on the country. They come just days after another bomb killed at least nine people and injured 22 others in a crowded cafe in central Damascus, an attack authorities blamed on ISIS.
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