&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Massive explosion rocks Syria near French President Macron's hotel; his office says 'he is ...'")
Explosions were reported in Syrian capital of Damascus on Tuesday (July 7) as France’s President Emmanuel Macron met with his Syrian counterpart President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Blasts were heard as Macron entered the presidential palace to meet al-Sharaa in what is being described as a landmark visit. A large plume of smoke could be seen as videos of the incident circulated online. Videos also show a vehicle on fire and blood stains on the street. No group immediately claimed responsibility and the number of casualties is not known.
According to Syrian reports, blast occurred near Four Seasons Hotel - where the French president was staying. Reports also said that the blasts were caused by explosive devices but there has not been an official statement from the Syrian authorities on the incident at the time of publishing the article. The French president’s office said Macron was safe and that his visit to Syria was continuing.
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At least 18 people have been wounded with Syria’s Interior Ministry saying that four police officers were among those wounded in the blasts, the state news agency SANA reported. The Interior Ministry also told SANA that the blasts took place “outside the security zone designated for the French President’s residence, and did not pose any direct threat to the residence or the official visit programme, which is proceeding according to the planned schedule.” An investogation has been launched on the incident. “Preliminary findings indicate that the two explosive devices were improvised. One was placed inside a vehicle parked along the roadside, while the other was concealed in a trash container,” the Interior Ministry said, as cited by SANA. He said that the blasts occurred despite “unprecedented” security measures.
