Explosions in Damascus injure 18 as French President Macron visits

State television reported that Syrian President Bashar al‑Assad received French President Emmanuel Macron at the presidential palace in Damascus as news of multiple blasts in the capital began to emerge. The explosions, which struck residential and commercial areas, were confirmed by local authorities and prompted an immediate security response, while diplomatic engagements continued at the highest level.

The meeting, part of Macron’s first official visit to Syria since the start of the civil war, focused on discussions of reconstruction, humanitarian aid and regional stability. Officials from both governments emphasized the need to maintain dialogue despite the security incident, and the Syrian side pledged cooperation with French partners on counter‑terrorism efforts. The blasts, however, underscored the volatile security environment, and authorities have launched investigations to determine responsibility while urging continued international support for Syria’s recovery.