Explosions rocked Damascus on Tuesday, July 7, as French President Emmanuel Macron met with his Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa in a landmark visit.
A security source told Reuters that bombs exploded near the hotel where Macron was staying. However, the French president did not hear the explosions and met al-Sharaa soon afterwards.
🚨 BREAKING
🇸🇾🇫🇷 Several explosions have been heard in Damascus near the hotel where Macron is staying.
Macron was not injured. He had reportedly left the residence about 25 minutes before the explosions.
Syrian authorities are confirming casualties, though numbers haven’t… https://t.co/01pvbDO8zM pic.twitter.com/SpdA2zUx1h
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 7, 2026
Macron had entered the presidential palace to meet al-Sharaa when the explosions took place near the Four Seasons Hotel.
The blasts highlight the major security concerns in Syria, with Macron being the first head of state of a European Union country to visit ever since rebels led by Sharaa toppled Bashar al-Assad in 2024.
As per Syrian media reports, Macron was staying at the Four Seasons. The French president’s office informed that Macron was safe and added that his visit to Syria continues.
مشاهد من لحظة حدوث الانفجار الثاني جراء عبوات ناسفة بدمشق https://t.co/HxJvWQoz0U pic.twitter.com/ajcjiyR8gd
— Omar Alhariri (@omar_alharir) July 7, 2026
Citing an unnamed security official, state media reported that at least two blasts were caused by explosive devices in the heart of the capital. Locals even witnessed a large plume of smoke from the site, The Associated Press reported.
In videos going viral on social media, users witnessed a vehicle on fire and blood stains on the street. As of now, there were no immediate reports of casualties, while no group has claimed responsibility.