Explosions have reportedly erupted close to a hotel where Macron is staying.

11:28, Tue, Jul 7, 2026 Updated: 11:28, Tue, Jul 7, 2026

Damascus rocked by explosion during Emmanuel Macron visit

Emmanuel Macron's office has spoken out after explosions rocke Damascus near to the hotel where he is staying. Explosions erupted in Damascus on Tuesday during a visit to Syria by the French President.

News agency AFP reported a loud explosion in the city, which coincided with the leader's vist. The Elysée Palace has announced that Mr Macron is "safe and sound" and will continue with his visit. Mr Macron arrived in Syria on Monday (July 6), making him the first major Western leader to visit the war-torn country since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in 2024.

The Ministry of Interior confirmed that 18 people including 4 police personnel have been injured in the explosion. In a statement to SANA, the ministry said Internal Security Forces detected the two explosive devices during field operations and specialized units began procedures to defuse them. The devices exploded while preparations for the disposal operation were underway.

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Smoke rises over Damascus at the scene of a blast

Smoke billows over Damascus after a blast (Image: @ZaidBenjamin5/X)

12 mins ago11:28 Astha Saxena

End of our live coverage

Explosions were reported in Syria’s capital, Damascus, on Tuesday after explosive devices detonated near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was scheduled to stay.

The blasts were heard across the area, raising security concerns around the location intended to host the French leader.

The Ministry of Interior confirmed that 18 people including 4 police personnel have been injured in the explosion. In a statement to SANA, the ministry said Internal Security Forces detected the two explosive devices during field operations and specialized units began procedures to defuse them. The devices exploded while preparations for the disposal operation were underway.

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1 hour ago10:32 Astha Saxena

Investigations are underway

The Ministry added that the investigations are underway to establish the circumstances of the attack and identify those responsible. 

2 hours ago09:27 Astha Saxena

Macron is "safe and sound"

The Élysée Palace has just announced that Emmanuel Macron is "safe and sound" and that the president is continuing his visit.

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The Élysée Palace has just announced that Emmanuel Macron is "safe and sound" (Image: Getty)

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2 hours ago09:16 Astha Saxena

President Macron's meeting in Damascus to remain unchanged

Macron's schedule of meetings in Damascus will remain as is and will not be subject to any changes, it has been reported. 

2 hours ago09:12 Astha Saxena

Explosions 'surprised' everyone

Al Jazeera's reporter, Obaida Hitto, who was present at the scene in Damascus said: "The explosions surprised everyone here," adding that “the situation is an extension of what happened just days before the president arrived”.

3 hours ago08:59 Lauran O'Toole

Macron 'did not hear any explosions'

According to the Élysée Palace, French President Emmanuel Macron heard no explosions on his way to meet Sharaa.

The French president did not hear any explosions while on his way to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the Elysee palace said.

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Macron with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (Image: Getty)

3 hours ago08:56 Lauran O'Toole

Further explosions heard near the Syrian Tourism Ministry

Further explosions have been reported near the Syrian Tourism Ministry, according to Al Jazeera.

3 hours ago08:55 Lauran O'Toole

Two explosions heard near Macron's hotel

Two explosions have been heard near a ⁠hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was meant to be ‌staying during a visit to the capital.

3 hours ago08:49 Jon King

Video shows smoke after Damascus blast

Video footage posted on X shows smoke rising into the sky after the blast in Damascus. 

Initial reports claim there were multiple blasts, but this has not been confirmed yet.

WATCH: Multiple explosive devices detonated near the Damascus hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron is staying, according to a Reuters security source. The blasts occurred during Macron\u2019s landmark visit, the first by a major Western leader to post Assad Syria.

The story\u2026

\u2014 Open Source Intel (@Osint613) July 7, 2026

3 hours ago08:46 Jon King

Welcome to our live coverage

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage. I'll be bringing you the latest as more details emerge.