Explosives blow up near Emmanuel Macron's hotel as 18 people left injured

Two explosive devices have been detonated near a hotel where Emmanuel Macron was staying in Damascus.

The French President, who was staying at the Four Seasons Damascus, is visiting the Syrian capital for talks with ex-Taliban terrorist Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Plumes of smoke were seen billowing into the Syrian skies this morning as twin blasts left 18 people injured.

Four of the people who sustained injuries were later identified as local police officers.

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Security sources have revealed that one of the explosive devices was found in a bin, while the second was detected in a vehicle near Mr Macron's hotel.

The Elysee Palace confirmed Mr Macron was not injured in the incident.

The French President was already travelling in a motorcade when the explosions rocked Damascus.

Mr Macron did not hear the explosions while travelling to meet his Syrian counterpart.

The French President is the first European Union leader to visit Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in 2024.

Ahead of the visit, Mr Macron said: “I have come to express France’s commitment to the Syrian people.

“For a sovereign Syria, united in its diversity and at peace with its neighbours.

“Together, let us open a new chapter of stability and peace.”

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Mr Macron is expected to head to a Nato summit in Ankara, Turkey, shortly after concluding his meetings with Syrian officials in Damascus.

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