On Thursday, Syrian authorities announced the arrest of several suspects linked to the Islamic State group, following a series of bombings in Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit earlier this week. The interior ministry confirmed that security forces had dismantled the entire cell responsible for the attacks.
Details of the Damascus Bombings
Two explosions rocked central Damascus on July 7, 2026, resulting in one death and dozens of injuries. The blasts occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel shortly after Macron's departure from the building. These incidents happened moments before Syrian state media announced his arrival at the presidential palace for a meeting with Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Interior Minister Anas Khattab stated on X, "The cell responsible for the terrorist bombings that targeted Damascus two days ago is now in our custody." He also indicated that further investigations would reveal the identities and affiliations of the arrested individuals.
Investigations and Raids Conducted
According to Ahmad Dalati, head of interior security for the Damascus region, preliminary investigations suggest that the arrested cell is affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) group. The interior ministry reported the suspects were captured following simultaneous raids across four neighborhoods in Damascus and its countryside.
- The raids targeted different locations linked to the suspects.
- Some neighborhoods involved have populations from the Alawite minority.
- Security forces acted swiftly to prevent further attacks.
Macron's Response and Broader Implications
During a joint news conference after the blasts, Macron emphasized the need to remain stable in the face of such attacks, reiterating France's support for Syria. This visit marks a significant moment as Macron is the first EU head of state to visit Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in 2024.
Notably, Syria joined the US-led coalition against the IS militant group, which was largely defeated in Iraq and Syria by 2019. The recent bombings underline ongoing security challenges in the region.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by France 24 World. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
