Two explosions were reported in Damascus on Tuesday morning, with one occurring in close proximity to the hotel housing French President Emmanuel Macron and his delegation. The French President was reportedly en route to a meeting at the time of the incident but was confirmed to be safe.
The first explosion is understood to have taken place on a peripheral road, while the second occurred within the Syrian capital, near the Four Seasons Hotel where President Macron is staying. Security forces were observed patrolling the area surrounding the hotel, especially during Macron's visit which began Monday night.
The Élysée Palace issued a statement confirming that President Macron was not at the hotel when the explosion happened. He was en route to the Syrian presidential palace for a scheduled meeting with President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The palace reiterated that Macron is safe and his visit will proceed as planned.
President Macron's visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement, as he is the first Western leader to meet with President al-Sharaa in the Syrian capital. The implications of these concurrent events on the diplomatic agenda are yet to be fully assessed.
