Explosions rock Damascus near Macron’s hotel during Syria visit

Two explosions rocked central Damascus on Tuesday morning near the Four Seasons Hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron had stayed overnight during his landmark visit to Syria.

The blasts occurred shortly after Macron’s motorcade left the hotel for a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace.

Macron was unharmed, and the French presidency confirmed he did not hear the explosions.

Syria’s Interior Ministry reported at least 18 people wounded, including four police officers. Videos from the scene showed a burning car and emergency responders in the area.

The explosions took place in a busy district close to the Ministry of Tourism. No group has claimed responsibility so far.