Explosions in Damascus on July 7, 2026, during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit, have left one person dead and at least 36 injured, according to Syrian authorities. The blasts occurred while President Macron was meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace.
Details of the Explosions in Damascus
The Syrian Ministry of Health reported the updated toll on July 8, indicating that 31 of the injured sustained minor injuries, while five others were hospitalized in stable condition. The explosions struck a central area of Damascus, near the Ministry of Tourism and the Four Seasons Hotel, a day after Macron had stayed there.
The Syrian Ministry of Interior revealed that one bomb was hidden in a parked car and another in a rubbish container. Both devices detonated during efforts to dismantle them, creating chaos in the vicinity.
Impact on Macron's Visit
Despite the tragic events, Macron continued with his scheduled visit. His office confirmed that he did not hear the explosions as he had already departed for the presidential palace. During a news conference with President al-Sharaa, Macron stated, "We must not let ourselves be destabilised."
President al-Sharaa praised Macron's courage for continuing the visit amid the blasts, highlighting the significance of the trip in rebuilding Syria's image following over a decade of conflict. This visit marked the first by a European Union head of state since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in 2024.
Significance of Macron's Visit to Syria
Macron's trip to Syria is seen as a pivotal moment in the relationship between France and Syria, with both countries signing 15 bilateral agreements covering various sectors including civil aviation, health, banking, and infrastructure. Al-Sharaa expressed his vision of France as a primary partner for Syria, especially in light of global transit challenges.
- Number of injured: 36
- Number of fatalities: 1
- Agreements signed: 15
- Macron's first visit since: 2024
After the Damascus visit, Macron and al-Sharaa traveled to Ankara, Turkiye, to attend the annual NATO summit, marking a significant diplomatic engagement in the region.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
