Explosions rocked Damascus on Tuesday as France’s President Emmanuel Macron met with his Syrian counterpart President Ahmad al-Sharaa in a landmark visit.
Macron had entered the presidential palace to meet al-Sharaa when the explosions happened near the Four Seasons Hotel. Syrian authorities did not immediately comment on the incident.
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.
State media, citing an unnamed security official, reported that the two blasts in the heart of the capital were caused by explosive devices. 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.
The number of casualties was not immediately clear. 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.
(FRANCE 24 with AP)
