French President Macron escapes bomb blasts at Damascus hotel during historic Syria visit

Two explosive devices detonated near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus where French President Emmanuel Macron spent the night, marking a dramatic moment during the first visit by a Western leader to Syria since the country’s civil war began. The bombs were planted in a parked car and a rubbish bin adjacent to the hotel where Macron was staying. Shortly after the explosions, Syrian state television broadcast footage of Macron meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad at the presidential palace, with Macron’s office confirming he had left the hotel approximately 15 minutes before the devices were detonated. A spokesman stated: “He is safe and well and heard nothing of the explosions.” Macron’s visit to Syria represents a significant diplomatic move by France and comes as he travels to the NATO summit. The Élysée Palace described the trip as a “bold” step, emphasising that Macron was not restricting himself to “stays in fortified palaces” during his time in the country. The timing of the bombings, coming so close to the French leader’s presence, raises serious questions about security arrangements and the stability of the Assad regime’s control over the capital.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.