DAMASCUS — Two explosions occurred in Damascus on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, while French President Emmanuel Macron was in the city meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Macron was unharmed by the blasts. He was at the Presidential Palace when the incidents took place, having stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel prior to the explosions.

One explosion took place next to the Four Seasons Hotel in central Damascus, while the other occurred near the Ministry of Tourism. At least 18 people were injured in the explosions, including four police officers, according to the Syrian state news agency SANA.

SANA reported that the explosive devices used were rudimentary. One device was placed inside a vehicle parked by the roadside, and the other was located inside a garbage container. Syrian authorities have initiated an investigation into the explosions.

Macron arrived in Syria on Monday evening, July 6, 2026. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani received him at Damascus International Airport. The visit is the first by a Western leader since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Macron previously hosted al-Sharaa in Paris in May 2025.

Upon his arrival, Macron stated, "I have come to express France's commitment to the Syrian people. For a sovereign Syria, united in its diversity and at peace with its neighbours." He added, "Together, let us open a new chapter of stability and peace." Macron is accompanied by a business delegation that includes CMA CGM chief executive Rodolphe Saade and TotalEnergies chief Patrick Pouyanne.

Macron was scheduled to travel to Ankara for a NATO summit on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. A separate attack in Damascus occurred less than a week before the July 7 explosions, resulting in nine deaths and 22 injuries, according to the Syrian Ministry of Health.