Massive bomb blasts in Syria amid French President Macron’s visit, questions raised on security arrangements

There were several explosions in Damascus, Syria on Tuesday. At the same time, the French President was meeting the Syrian President on an important visit. Emmanuel Macron was entering the Rashtrapati Bhavan to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara when massive explosions occurred near the ‘Four Seasons Hotel’. Syrian officials did not immediately comment on the incident. Syrian media reported that Macron was staying at the ‘Four Seasons’.

Emmanuel Macron safe

Let us tell you that the state media, quoting an unidentified security officer, said that the two blasts in the center of the capital were caused by explosive devices. A plume of smoke could be seen rising from the spot. In the footage going viral on social media, a car is seen on fire and there is devastation on the road. France says Emmanuel Macron is safe. There was no immediate information on casualties and no group immediately claimed responsibility.

Macron reached Syria before Türkiye

In fact, Macron is the first major Western leader to visit Syria after al-Sharia came to power. His visit is taking place ahead of the NATO Summit in Ankara, Türkiye. Macron played an important role in convincing Europe and the US to lift most of the sanctions imposed on Syria. He reached the country on Monday night with a financial delegation. He is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with his counterpart as the devastated country tries to attract investors to help rebuild it after 14 years of war.

Two blasts were caused by explosive devices

Government media quoted an unidentified security official as saying that the two blasts in the center of the capital were caused by explosive devices. A plume of smoke could be seen rising from the spot. The area is on a busy street in Damascus and is near the headquarters of the Ministry of Tourism and the Damascus National Museum.

There was another explosion a few days ago

The incident comes days after an explosive blast at a cafe near the ‘Justice Palace’ in Damascus, in which at least 10 people were killed and 20 injured. Syria’s Health Ministry said no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Security forces immediately reached the cafe and surrounded the area. They are investigating this attack.

Injured people were taken to hospitals in the Syrian capital.

Damascus Governor Maher Idlibi said the Ministry of Interior would soon announce the results of its preliminary investigation. Idlibi said the device appeared to be “common” and vowed that those responsible for the incident would not be spared. In a video circulating on social media, several injured people were seen lying on the ground, with police officers present nearby. Ambulances later reached the spot, provided first aid and transported seriously injured people to hospitals in the Syrian capital.