Syria faces unrest as government encounters old and new threats amid Macron's visit

Damascus was shaken by explosions on July 7, 2026, during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit, marking the first visit by a European Union leader since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The blasts occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel, injuring 18 people according to state news agency SANA. This incident follows a deadly bombing at a cafe in Damascus that killed at least nine last week.

Ongoing Threats to Syrian Stability

The recent bombings highlight the challenges faced by President Ahmed al-Sharaa since assuming control after al-Assad's departure in December 2024. The country remains divided and plagued by high unemployment and an uncertain rule of law. Analysts suggest that remnants of the ISIL (ISIS) group may be behind these attacks, as they still maintain a presence in the region.

According to Aron Lund from Century International, ISIL “is still around and still active,” with estimates suggesting that they have between 1,500 and 3,000 fighters across Syria and Iraq. The ability to create and plant bombs poses a significant threat to the government's efforts to restore normalcy and attract foreign investment.

Challenges from Armed Groups

Despite al-Sharaa's control over most of Syria, various armed factions continue to challenge his authority. The government’s hold is strongest in western and central areas, while southern border regions and Druze-majority areas remain unstable. Local militias often play a key role in maintaining order, but rivalries with groups like Hezbollah and Israel complicate the situation.

Analyst Nanar Hawach describes the landscape as containing distinct challenges: ISIL cells aim to undermine the government, remnants of the former regime engage in sabotage, and armed actors in regions like Suwayda resist government control. The conflict between Druze and local Bedouins escalated in July 2025, prompting Israeli intervention, which further complicates the governance landscape.

Internal Threats and Economic Struggles

Al-Sharaa now faces threats from within, particularly from factions he previously relied upon, including Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The harsh realities of governing a war-torn country burdened by sanctions and corruption add to the challenges. While there has been some sanctions relief, foreign investment remains elusive.

Al-Assad's cousin, Rami Makhlouf, has also re-emerged as a potential internal threat, recently issuing a video where he threatened the government and called for the release of Alawite prisoners. His influence and the ongoing instability pose significant challenges to al-Sharaa's administration.