Two bomb explosions in central Damascus have injured eighteen people during Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Syria, highlighting the continuing security challenges facing the country after years of conflict. The blasts occurred near the hotel where Macron had stayed, after security personnel discovered explosive devices and began efforts to defuse them. Four police officers were among those injured, but French officials confirmed the president was unharmed and continued his scheduled meetings with president Ahmed al-Sharaa. No group has claimed responsibility, although authorities say they have identified initial leads in their investigation. The attack overshadowed the first visit by a EU leader since the fall of the Assad government in 2024. Despite the incident, Macron continued his programme, which focused on Syria’s recovery and reconstruction, including an economic forum where several bilateral agreements were signed. The bombings follow an attack on a Damascus cafe on 2 July which killed at least nine and injured 22 (see).