Twin bomb blasts injured 18 people in Damascus, but President Emmanuel Macron pressed ahead with his landmark Syria visit, backing reconstruction despite renewed security threats, reports Asian Lite News Desk
Two explosions in central Damascus injured at least 18 people earlier this week, but French President Emmanuel Macron continued his historic visit to Syria as planned, underscoring international support for the country’s fragile recovery despite persistent security threats.
The blasts, which occurred just kilometres from Macron’s route, highlighted the continuing instability facing Syria even as the country seeks to rebuild after years of conflict and re-engage with the international community.
According to Syrian authorities, the explosions were caused by two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) discovered during a security operation. The devices detonated while bomb disposal teams were attempting to neutralise them, injuring civilians and security personnel.
The Interior Ministry said one explosive device had been hidden inside a parked vehicle while the other was concealed in a roadside rubbish container near the Ministry of Tourism building in central Damascus.
Interior Minister Anas Khattab said the first blast occurred at around 10.15am local time, with a second explosion following approximately eight minutes later.
Eighteen people were injured, including four police officers who required surgery. Most of the remaining casualties sustained minor injuries.
Officials stressed that the explosions occurred outside the security perimeter established for Macron’s visit and posed no direct threat to the French President or his delegation.
French officials confirmed Macron was safe and had neither seen nor heard the blasts. His motorcade was reportedly around 10 kilometres away when the explosions occurred.
Security forces immediately cordoned off the area, closed nearby roads and launched extensive search operations. Bomb disposal units found no additional explosive devices, while investigators began analysing surveillance footage and examining the vehicle believed to have been used in the attack.
Although no group immediately claimed responsibility, Syrian officials said investigators had identified an initial lead pointing towards those behind the attack.
Despite the security incident, Macron proceeded to the People’s Palace, where he held talks with Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The French leader later reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Syria’s transition, insisting that violence would not derail efforts to rebuild the country.
“Nothing can smother the aspiration of Syrian women and men to live in a fully sovereign, safe, pluralistic and united Syria,” Macron wrote on social media shortly after the explosions.
Addressing a joint press conference with Sharaa, Macron expressed solidarity with those injured in the attacks while urging Syria to remain steadfast against terrorism.
He said authorities must continue to strengthen security without allowing extremists to undermine the country’s recovery.
Sharaa praised Macron’s decision to continue his visit despite the bombings, describing it as an act of courage and a demonstration of France’s commitment to Syria’s future.
The visit marked the first by a French president to Syria since 2009 and the first by a European Union leader since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in 2024.
It is widely viewed as another significant step in Syria’s gradual return to international diplomacy following years of isolation.
Beyond political discussions, the visit focused heavily on economic reconstruction.
Macron and Sharaa jointly inaugurated a Syrian-French business forum attended by senior government officials and business leaders from both countries.
The two sides launched joint economic committees and signed 15 agreements covering sectors including ports, aviation, healthcare, banking, water, digital infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Macron said France was prepared to support Syria’s reconstruction, banking reforms and wider economic recovery while helping create conditions that would allow millions of displaced Syrians to return home voluntarily.
However, Tuesday’s bombings served as a stark reminder of the security challenges still confronting Syria’s new leadership.
The country continues to face attacks by extremist organisations, including the so-called Islamic State, which has claimed responsibility for several recent incidents.
Only days earlier, a bomb exploded at a busy café near Damascus’ Palace of Justice, killing at least nine people and injuring more than 20 others.
In May, another car bomb detonated outside the Ministry of Defence after security forces attempted to defuse an explosive device, killing one soldier and injuring at least 18 people.
The latest attacks have heightened anxiety among residents.
By Tuesday evening, much of central Damascus appeared unusually quiet, with significantly fewer pedestrians and lighter traffic as many residents chose to remain indoors following the explosions.
