Explosions Near Macron's Hotel During Historic Syria Visit Wound 18
On July 7, 2026, two homemade bombs exploded near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus, Syria, wounding at least 18 people, including four police officers, during French President Emmanuel Macron’s historic state visit—the first by a Western leader since 2010. Macron had already left for talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace and was unharmed. The explosions underscore persistent security challenges in Syria as Macron pursued post-war reconstruction agreements with French companies.
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Syria arrests suspects in Damascus bombings that occurred during Macron's visit
Syrian authorities announced on July 9, 2026, that they had arrested several suspects linked to a series of explosions in Damascus, including bombings that occurred during French President Emmanuel Macron's landmark visit on July 7. The Interior Ministry stated that security forces dismantled the entire cell responsible, but did not disclose the suspects' identities or affiliations. The July 7 attacks involved explosive devices planted in a garbage bin and a parked car, killing one person and wounding 36. Macron, who was at the presidential palace at the time, was unharmed and continued his meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. A prior attack on July 2 involved a cafe bombing near the main judicial complex that killed at least 10 and wounded over 20. No group claimed responsibility. The bombings pose a challenge to al-Sharaa's efforts to consolidate control and gain Western support as Syria rebuilds after its civil war.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Syrian Authorities Arrest Suspects in Damascus Bombings During Macron Visit
On July 9, 2026, Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab announced the arrest of those responsible for two bomb attacks that occurred in Damascus on July 7 during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit. The near-simultaneous explosions of homemade bombs near the Four Seasons hotel, where Macron had spent the night, killed one person and injured 36 others. The alleged perpetrators were arrested simultaneously in different locations in Damascus and its surroundings, including four neighborhoods, two of which house members of the Alawite community. The interior minister stated that once the investigation is complete, the identities, roles, and affiliations of the cell members will be revealed to the public. This was Macron's first visit by a Western leader since an Islamist coalition came to power after over thirteen years of civil war.
Politique : Toute l’actualité sur Le Monde.fr.Syrian Authorities Arrest Islamic State-Affiliated Cell After Damascus Bombings During Macron Visit
On July 9, 2026, Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab announced the arrest of a cell affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) group, responsible for two bomb attacks in Damascus on July 7. The attacks occurred during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit, targeting the area near the Four Seasons Hotel where Macron had stayed. One person was killed and 36 wounded. The homemade bombs were placed in a garbage bin and a vehicle. Ahmad Al-Dalati, head of internal security for Damascus, confirmed the cell's IS affiliation. Arrests were made simultaneously in four neighborhoods, including two Alawite areas. Macron stated the attacks should not destabilize Syria, which is emerging from civil war. Syrian President Ahmed Al-Charaa praised Macron's courage in maintaining the visit. The two leaders agreed to resume ambassador-level relations. This was the first visit by a Western leader since the Islamist coalition came to power. IS, though defeated in 2019, still maintains sleeper cells in Syria.
Politique : Toute l’actualité sur Le Monde.fr.Explosions Rock Damascus During Macron's Historic Syria Visit
Two bombs exploded near the Four Seasons hotel in Damascus on Tuesday morning, where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying during his historic stopover in Syria. At least 18 people were wounded, including four police officers, according to Syria's Interior Ministry. Macron had already left the hotel and was en route to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa; the blasts were not audible from his motorcade. Macron is the first major Western leader to visit Syria since Bashar al-Assad's ouster in 2024. The explosions are seen as a blow to al-Sharaa's efforts to assert control and stability. Macron played a key role in pushing Europe and the US to drop most sanctions on Syria and is scheduled to sign memorandums of understanding to attract investors for post-war reconstruction. Despite the incident, France said Macron intended to stick to his planned schedule before heading to Turkey for a NATO summit.
TheWeek feedExplosions Rock Damascus During Macron's Historic Syria Visit
Two bombs exploded near the Four Seasons hotel in Damascus on Tuesday morning, where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying during his historic stopover in Syria. At least 18 people were wounded, including four police officers, according to Syria's Interior Ministry. Macron had already left the hotel and was en route to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa; the blasts were not audible from his motorcade. Macron is the first major Western leader to visit Syria since Bashar al-Assad's ouster in 2024. The explosions are seen as a blow to al-Sharaa's efforts to assert control and stabilize the country. Macron played a key role in pushing Europe and the U.S. to drop most sanctions on Syria and is scheduled to sign memorandums of understanding to attract investors for post-war reconstruction. Despite the attack, France said Macron intended to stick to his planned schedule before heading to a NATO summit in Turkey.
TheWeek feedExplosions Rock Damascus During Macron's Historic Syria Visit
Two bombs exploded near the Four Seasons hotel in Damascus on Tuesday morning, where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying during his historic stopover in Syria. At least 18 people were wounded, including four police officers, according to Syria's Interior Ministry. Macron had already left the hotel and was en route to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa; the blasts were not audible from his motorcade. Macron is the first major Western leader to visit Syria since Bashar al-Assad's ouster in 2024. The explosions are seen as a blow to al-Sharaa's efforts to assert control and stability. Macron played a key role in pushing Europe and the US to drop most sanctions on Syria and is scheduled to sign memorandums of understanding to attract investors for post-war reconstruction. Despite the incident, France said Macron intended to stick to his planned schedule before heading to Turkey for a NATO summit.
TheWeek feedRebuilding Syria Will Cost Over $200bn; Bombs Disrupt Macron's Visit
On July 6th 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron became the first major Western leader to visit Syria since the fall of the Assad dictatorship, bringing a delegation of French CEOs to meet with Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda militant turned statesman. The visit aimed to attract foreign investment and recognition for Syria's recovery. However, the following morning, two bombs exploded in central Damascus, underscoring the fragility of the country's security and the immense challenges of reconstruction, estimated to cost over $200 billion. The article, published by The Economist, analyzes the limits of Syria's recovery amid ongoing violence and the complex geopolitical landscape, including Iran's changing dynamics and Turkey-Israel tensions.
Latest UpdatesDamascus Attacks: Macron Calls for Uncompromising Security; 18 Injured
On July 7, 2026, two homemade bomb explosions rocked central Damascus near the Four Seasons hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying during his historic visit to Syria, the first by a Western power leader since the Islamist coalition led by Ahmed Al-Charaa took power. The Syrian Interior Ministry reported 18 wounded, including four police officers. One bomb was placed in a dumpster, the other in a vehicle. Macron, speaking at a press conference with Al-Charaa, called for being uncompromising on security while not being destabilized on the path forward. Al-Charaa praised Macron's courage for maintaining his schedule. Later, both leaders touted Syria's potential to become an energy transit hub alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, with Al-Charaa expressing hope France would become Syria's first partner in this journey.
Politique : Toute l’actualité sur Le Monde.fr.Macron on State Visit to Syria: Hoping for Lucrative Deals
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Damascus on July 7, 2026, for the first state visit by a Western head of state to Syria in 17 years. The visit, aimed at securing business deals, was marked by an assassination attempt when two bombs exploded near the Four Seasons Hotel where Macron was staying; his motorcade had already passed the location. Macron met with Syria's interim president Ahmed al-Scharaa at the Umayyad Mosque. A delegation of French investors and company representatives accompanied Macron, seeking opportunities in a country whose economy shrank by 83% during the war. The EU and US have lifted sanctions, and regional companies from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and Turkey have invested 28 billion USD in the first six months. The Syrian-French Economic Council held a reception for declarations of intent in health, infrastructure, transport, law, and education. Kuwaiti company Zain recently purchased a 20-year mobile network license for 747 million USD.
taz.de - taz.deExplosions Near Macron's Hotel in Damascus During Historic Visit
Two explosions rocked Damascus on July 7, 2026, as French President Emmanuel Macron made the first visit by a Western leader to Syria since the Islamist coalition led by Ahmed Al-Charaa assumed power. The Syrian Interior Ministry reported 18 wounded, including four police officers, from two homemade bombs—one placed in a parked car and another in a garbage dumpster. The bombs detonated after Macron left for the presidential palace. The Elysée Palace confirmed that Macron continued his visit normally. The incident underscores the volatile security environment in Syria amid shifting political dynamics, as Macron's visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement by the West with the new ruling coalition.
Politique : Toute l’actualité sur Le Monde.fr.Bomb Attack in Damascus During Macron's Visit Wounds 18
A bomb attack occurred in Damascus, Syria, during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron. Multiple explosions were reported near Macron's hotel while he was meeting with his Syrian counterpart. The attack wounded at least 18 people, according to Al Jazeera. Macron was confirmed safe by multiple news outlets including Reuters, CNN, CBS News, and WJLA. The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Syria and the risks associated with high-profile diplomatic visits to the region.
Top stories - Google NewsExplosions Near Macron's Hotel During Syria State Visit
On July 7, 2026, during French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to Syria, several explosive devices detonated near his hotel in the capital Damascus. Security sources confirmed the explosions occurred in close proximity to the hotel where Macron was staying. The incident highlights ongoing security risks in Syria despite the high-profile diplomatic visit. No immediate reports of casualties or damage were provided in the brief article. The event underscores the volatile security environment in Damascus and potential threats to foreign dignitaries. The visit itself marks a significant diplomatic engagement between France and Syria, but the explosions raise questions about safety protocols and the stability of the region.
Nachrichten - WELTAt least 18 injured in explosions in Damascus during French President Macron’s visit
On July 7, 2026, two explosions occurred in Damascus near the Four Seasons Hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying, wounding at least 18 people including four police officers. The bombs were placed in a dumpster and a vehicle near the hotel. Macron had already left for the presidential palace to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and the Élysée Palace confirmed he would continue his trip. This is the first visit by a Western European leader to Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad in 2024. The explosions follow a cafe bombing on July 2 that killed 10 people. Macron's agenda includes discussions on post-war reconstruction, unity, and an economic forum with major French companies like CMA CGM and TotalEnergies.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Explosions Near Macron's Hotel in Damascus During Historic Syria Visit
During French President Emmanuel Macron's late-night visit to Damascus, Syria—the first by an EU head of state since 2010—two explosive devices detonated near the hotel where he was reported to be staying. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported an initial blast followed by a stronger second detonation, causing panic among residents. Rescue workers and ambulances rushed to the scene, and security forces cordoned off the area. No official information on casualties or damage was immediately available. Despite the explosions, Syrian state news agency Sana reported that Macron was meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace. The Élysée Palace confirmed that Macron is safe and that expanded talks between delegations were underway.
Nachrichten - WELTExplosion in Damascus During Macron's Historic Visit to Syria
On July 7, 2026, an explosion was heard in Damascus, Syria, while French President Emmanuel Macron was making the first visit by a Western power leader to Syria since an Islamist coalition led by Ahmed Al-Sharaa came to power. Witnesses reported smoke rising near the hotel where Macron had spent the night, which he had already left for talks at the presidential palace. Al-Sharaa welcomed Macron shortly after the explosion reports. Macron is accompanied by executives from major French companies including CMA CGM and TotalEnergies, with agreements planned despite investor caution. The incident underscores ongoing security challenges in Syria.
Politique : Toute l’actualité sur Le Monde.fr.