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ConflictTwo bombs explode in Damascus near hotel where Macron was staying during historic Syria visit
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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.
Source report
What Happened
Two bombs exploded Tuesday morning near the Damascus hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron is staying during his historic stopover in Syria. Macron, who arrived in Damascus last night, is the first major Western leader to visit the country since Bashar al-Assad’s ouster in 2024.
At least 18 people were wounded in the explosions, including four police officers, Syria’s Interior Ministry said. However, Macron had already left the Four Seasons hotel, according to Reuters, and the “blasts were not audible from the presidential motorcade” as he headed toward his meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
Who Said What
The explosions “are a blow for al-Sharaa,” who has “pushed to assert full control and bring stability in war-torn Syria” after his Islamist-led insurgency toppled Assad, The Associated Press reported. Macron “played a major role in pushing Europe and the United States to drop most sanctions on Syria” after al-Sharaa took over, and he is “scheduled to sign memorandums of understanding” as the “battered country tries to lure investors to help it rebuild after 14 years of war.”
“I have come to express France’s commitment to the Syrian people,” Macron said on social media. “Together, let us open a new chapter of stability and peace.”
What Next
France said Macron “intended to stick to his planned schedule for the day” before heading to Turkey for a NATO summit, Reuters reported.
Source
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Explosions Near Macron's Hotel During Historic Syria Visit Wound 18