Security Alert: Blasts Reported Near Damascus Hotel Hosting French President Macron

New Delhi: A security source reported that explosive devices were detonated on Tuesday in Damascus, Syria, near a hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was scheduled to stay during his landmark visit.

Emmanuel Macron had entered the presidential palace to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa when the explosions happened near the Four Seasons Hotel.

Syrian media reported that Macron was staying at the Four Seasons. The French president’s office said he was safe and that his visit to Syria was continuing.

Following the blasts, authorities implemented heightened security measures and sealed off nearby roads.

A Reuters witness reported hearing the explosions and observed smoke rising from the area. Macron’s visit marks the first time a major EU leader has traveled to Damascus since the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Huge plume of smoke

State media, citing an unnamed security official, reported that the two blasts in the heart of the capital were caused by explosive devices and a large plume of smoke could be seen from the site.

Footage widely circulated on social media showed a vehicle on fire and blood stains on the street. There were no immediate reports of casualties. No group immediately claimed responsibility.

The incident comes days after an explosive device was detonated in a cafe near the Justice Palace in Damascus, killing at least 10 people and wounding 20.

First trip by an EU head of state

Notably, Macron landed in Syria on Monday, in the first visit to Damascus by a European Union head of state since rebels ‌led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa toppled Bashar al-Assad in 2024.

The visit underlines Syria's geopolitical transformation under Sharaa, a former al Qaeda commander who has established close ties with Western and Middle Eastern powers that shunned Assad, as he seeks to rebuild a country shattered by 13 years of war.

"I am here to affirm France's commitment to the Syrian people. For a sovereign Syria, united in its diversity and at peace with its neighbours. Together, let's ​open a new page of stability and peace," Macron said on X.

Macron plan in Syria

Macron, who was greeted at Damascus airport by Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani, will hold a working dinner ​with Sharaa before further meetings on Tuesday, according to an agenda from the French presidency.

Syria's reconstruction is set to be one of the key themes ⁠of the trip, and Macron will be accompanied by business leaders including the CEOs of TotalEnergies and French container shipping group CMA CGM, a French presidential official told reporters ahead of ​the visit.

Macron will also stress France's commitment to a free, pluralistic Syria that respects all of its communities and meet Syrians from all backgrounds and affiliations, the official added.