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French President Macron carries on with Syria trip (Img: Dynamite News)
New Delhi: French President Emmanuel Macron has said his visit to Syria will continue after two explosions occurred near the hotel where he was staying in Damascus on Tuesday. The blasts injured at least 18 people, but Macron was unharmed and continued with his planned engagements.
In a post on X, Macron reaffirmed his commitment to the visit, saying, "Nothing can smother the aspiration of Syrian women and men to live in a fully sovereign, safe, pluralistic, and united Syria." He added that he had met people from across Syrian society and concluded his message with, "My visit continues."
According to reports, two explosive devices detonated near the Four Seasons Hotel in central Damascus, where the French President was staying during his visit. Witnesses reported hearing loud explosions and seeing smoke rise from the area, while images circulating online showed a vehicle on fire and bloodstains on the street.
Security forces sealed off the area following the incident. As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Despite the explosions, Macron proceeded with his scheduled meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. His visit is regarded as a significant diplomatic engagement as France seeks to strengthen dialogue with Syria.
The incident follows another deadly explosion in Damascus just days earlier, when a blast at a café near the Justice Palace reportedly killed at least 10 people and injured around 20 others. Authorities have not yet announced whether the two incidents are linked.
