Bombs detonate near Macron’s hotel in Damascus

Early on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, explosions occurred near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying in Damascus, Syria. The blasts injured 18 people, including four police officers, but Macron himself was unharmed.

According to Syria’s Ministry of Security, the bombs went off outside a specially secured zone surrounding the hotel. Macron had already left the premises, heading to the presidential palace for talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Witnesses reported that Macron did not hear the explosions, and the Élysée Palace confirmed he continued his official program as planned.

Macron arrived in Syria on Monday evening, becoming the first European Union head of state to visit the country since Bashar al-Assad was ousted from power.