At least 18 people were injured after two explosive devices detonated in Damascus on July 7, 2026, coinciding with French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Syria. According to Syria’s Interior Ministry, four police officers were among the wounded, as reported by the state news agency SANA.
The blasts occurred near the Ministry of Tourism and a hotel designated for Macron's stay, while he was en route to meet his Syrian counterpart, Ahmed al-Sharaa. However, Macron's office stated that the president did not hear the explosions, and his schedule remained unaffected.
Details of the Explosions in Damascus
The Interior Ministry indicated that the explosives were improvised devices. One was hidden inside a vehicle parked along the roadside, while the other was concealed in a trash container. The devices detonated after security forces discovered them and called in specialists to dismantle them.
“Preliminary findings indicate that the two explosive devices were improvised,” the ministry noted, emphasizing that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the attack and identify those responsible.
Security Concerns Amid Macron's Visit
Al Jazeera's correspondent, Obaida Hitto, reported from the presidential palace that the situation remains “pretty calm.” The blasts occurred despite “unprecedented” security measures for Macron’s visit, marking the first by a European leader since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government in late 2024.
Hitto remarked, “The incident reminds us how sensitive and fragile the security situation is here in the country.” A security official described the explosions as a “criminal act” occurring in an area bustling with civilians.
Potential Targets and Implications
Security expert Ismat al-Absi mentioned that the specific targets of the blasts are unclear. “We are not sure if the IEDs were targeting the French president’s convoy as he was heading to the People’s Palace to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa,” he stated. He added that the aim appears to be creating unrest and sending a negative message about Syria's security.
Last week, another explosion in central Damascus claimed at least 10 lives and injured 20 others, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region. The Syrian Ministry of Health reported the casualties from that incident.
- 18 people injured in July 7 explosions
- 4 police officers among the wounded
- Two improvised explosive devices used
- Previous explosion killed 10 people last week
🤖 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.
