Explosions reported near hotel hosting Macron during Damascus visit

Explosions rocked Damascus on Tuesday as France’s President Emmanuel Macron met with his Syrian counterpart President Ahmad al-Sharaa in a landmark visit, AzerNEWS reports via France24.

Macron had entered the presidential palace to meet al-Sharaa when the explosions happened near the Four Seasons Hotel. Syrian authorities did not immediately comment on the incident.

Syrian media reported that Macron was staying at the Four Seasons. The French president’s office said he was safe and that his visit to Syria was continuing.

State media, citing an unnamed security official, reported that the two blasts in the heart of the capital were caused by explosive devices. A large plume of smoke could be seen from the site.

Footage widely circulated on social media showed a vehicle on fire and blood stains on the street.

The number of casualties was not immediately clear. No group immediately claimed responsibility.

The incident comes days after an explosive device was detonated in a cafe near the Justice Palace in Damascus, killing at least 10 people and wounding 20.

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Two explosions were reported on Tuesday near the Four Seasons Hotel Damascus in Damascus, where Emmanuel Macron is staying during his visit to Syria, AzerNEWS reports via Al Arabiya.

The cause of the explosions has not yet been determined, and there has been no immediate official information regarding casualties or damage.

Macron arrived in Damascus on an official visit on Monday evening. Authorities have not indicated whether the explosions were connected to the French president's visit, and the circumstances remain under investigation.