Macron Safe After Damascus Explosions, Says Elysee

French President Emmanuel Macron was unharmed following reports of two explosive devices detonating in central Damascus while he was in the city for talks with Syrian President Ahmed al‑Sharaa. The Elysee Palace confirmed that Macron’s visit continued as planned and that no one was injured on his personal route to the meeting.

Video footage and social media posts showed flames erupting near a vehicle 125 metres from the Four Seasons Hotel. According to a security source, the blasts were caused by two explosive devices; several people were wounded. The French president’s officials said he did not hear or see the explosions during the trip.

Macron’s visit is part of a broader diplomatic outreach. After arriving in Syria on Monday evening, he became the first EU leader to visit the country since the end of Bashar al‑Assad’s 24‑year rule. The visit follows a tragic cafe bombing earlier this month that killed nine people in Damascus. Macron is set to continue to Turkey for the upcoming NATO summit.

Security concerns remain high for international leaders in the region, but the French president’s safety has taken its place as a symbol of continued diplomatic engagement amid ongoing tensions.