Several explosions hit near Damascus hotel where French President is staying
DAMASCUS, July 07 (YPA) – Explosions were heard in Damascus near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron is staying during his current visit to Syria.
Several explosive devices detonated near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus, where Macron had been staying during his visit to Syria.
Media outlets reported that the French president left the hotel about 15 minutes before the explosion, and there have been no reports of injuries so far.
Meanwhile, Syrian media reported that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa received Macron at the presidential palace in Damascus, where the two are expected to hold a meeting as part of Macron’s official visit.
A security source in the country said that the explosion was caused by explosive devices. Al Jazeera reported that two explosions occurred near the headquarters of the Ministry of Tourism in the city.
French President Macron arrived in Damascus yesterday, becoming the first leader of a major Western country to visit Syria in many years. He is the first such leader to visit since the outbreak of the Syrian war in 2011, and particularly since the fall of the Assad regime in late 2014 and the rise of President Ahmed al-Sharaa to power.
Macron’s visit is considered the culmination of ongoing efforts led by al-Sharaa to restore Syria’s international standing, amid continued significant doubts in the West regarding his leadership.
Macron arrived in Syria on his way to the NATO summit in Turkey, which opens this evening in Ankara, where he is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump tomorrow.
The French president was received at Damascus airport on Monday evening by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani. The French delegation accompanying Macron includes prominent business figures, including CMA CGM shipping company CEO Rodolphe Saadé and TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné.
They were scheduled to hold talks on Syria’s reconstruction and the resumption of investments in the country, although French companies remain hesitant to proceed.
@E.Y.M