Blasts rock Damascus during Macron visit

Bombs exploded in Damascus on Tuesday morning as French President Emmanuel Macron met his Syrian President counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa at the Syrian Presidential Palace.

According to security sources, two bombs exploded near the hotel where Emmanuel Macron was staying in Syria, with roads sealed off and security measures implemented soon after. 

The Elysee later confirmed that the blasts were not audible from the presidential motorcade and a Reuters journalist with the press group accompanying Macron did not hear the blast or see any commotion during the French president's morning events.

The first blast hit soon after Macron's motorcade left for the presidential palace. Reuters footage showed flames and smoke billowing from a trash can when a second explosion was caught on camera a few metres (yards) away.

The second blast went off next to an ambulance parked at the scene, where some two dozen people had gathered.

Flames and thick black smoke were seen billowing from close to the shops behind, as emergency personnel worked to put out the blaze.

Syria's state news agency reported that 18 people were injured in the explosions, including four police officers.

The blasts underscore the major security challenges in Syria, where Macron is the first head of state of a European Union country to visit since rebels led by Sharaa toppled Bashar al-Assad in 2024.

The French presidency said he intended to stick to his planned schedule for the day.

State television later reported that Macron and Sharaa had met at the Syrian Presidential Palace.

Macron's visit has highlighted Syria's geopolitical transformation under Sharaa, as he seeks to rebuild a country shattered by 13 years of war.

During the Syrian conflict, a range of militant groups including IS gained a foothold in the country.