IRIA News

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French President Emmanuel Macron continued his landmark visit to Syria that he started on June 6, 2026, after twin explosions in central Damascus injured 18 people, including four police officers, underscoring the country’s fragile security situation even as it seeks closer ties with Europe.

The Elysee Palace also said Macron was safe and did not hear the explosions, which occurred after his motorcade had already left for the presidential palace.

The two homemade explosive devices detonated near Syria’s Tourism Ministry and close to the Four Seasons Hotel, where Macron had stayed overnight before heading to the Presidential Palace for talks with Syrian President Ahmad Al Sharaa. Syrian authorities said the blasts caused injuries but did not disrupt the French leader’s visit.

Macron held a working dinner with Al Sharaa on Monday evening before formal talks on Tuesday at the Presidential Palace. The two leaders were also expected to oversee the signing of several bilateral agreements aimed at expanding cooperation between France and Syria.

Speaking before the visit, Macron said France wanted to support the Syrian people as they rebuild their country. “I am here to affirm France’s commitment to the Syrian people. For a sovereign Syria, united in its diversity and at peace with its neighbors. Together, let’s open a new page of stability and peace,” he wrote.

Je viens dire l’engagement de la France auprès du peuple syrien. Pour une Syrie souveraine, unie dans sa pluralité et en paix avec ses voisins. Ensemble, ouvrons une nouvelle page de stabilité et de paix.

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 6, 2026

Macron confirmed that his visit would proceed as planned, stressing France’s support for Syria’s political transition. “Nothing can smother the aspiration of Syrian women and men to live in a fully sovereign, safe, pluralistic, and united Syria,” Macron wrote on X.

“This morning I met Syria in all its diversity. I saw dignity, courage, and determination. My visit continues.”

Macron is the first French president to visit Syria since 2008 and the first European Union head of state to travel to the country since President Ahmad Al Sharaa came to power following the collapse of Bashar Al Assad’s government in late 2024.

The visit reflects Syria’s gradual return to international diplomacy after years of isolation caused by the civil war.

Syria’s Security Risks

According to Syria’s Interior Ministry, the two explosive devices had been discovered by security forces, who were attempting to defuse them when they detonated.

Officials said one device had been hidden inside a parked vehicle while the second had been placed in a trash bin outside the security perimeter surrounding Macron’s accommodation. The ministry described both as crudely made homemade bombs.

The blasts occurred in a busy district between the Tourism Ministry and the National Museum, only a short distance from the Four Seasons Hotel.

Video footage from the scene showed smoke and flames rising from the first explosion before a second blast occurred nearby as emergency responders gathered. Firefighters later extinguished the blaze while security forces sealed off the area.

France's President Emmanuel Macron is safe after two bombs exploded outside the hotel where he spent the night in Damascus, Syria on Tuesday, the French presidential palace said. Video shows one of the blasts and smoke rising from the hotel afterward.

Macron had left the hotel… pic.twitter.com/EKbtetoNlP

— CBS News (@CBSNews) July 7, 2026

Authorities launched an investigation and search operation to identify those responsible. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

The incident came only days after another bombing at a crowded cafe in central Damascus killed at least nine people and injured more than 20 others, highlighting the continuing threat posed by militant groups operating inside Syria.

The self-proclaimed Islamic State group has claimed several attacks against Syrian government targets in recent months as it seeks to undermine the country’s new leadership.

Reconstruction and Investment Dominate the Visit

Economic recovery and reconstruction remain central themes of Macron’s visit. France is seeking to play a larger role in rebuilding Syria after more than 13 years of conflict devastated infrastructure, industry, and public services.

Macron was accompanied by senior French business leaders, including executives from energy company TotalEnergies and global shipping firm CMA CGM, reflecting growing commercial interest in Syria’s reconstruction.

French officials said Paris supports rebuilding efforts but stressed that future cooperation depends on Syria maintaining an inclusive political system that protects all religious and ethnic communities.

Since taking power, Al Sharaa has repeatedly pledged to unite Syria and establish an inclusive government after decades of Assad family rule.

However, those commitments have faced challenges as sectarian violence and clashes involving religious and ethnic minority communities have continued in parts of the country.

France Backs Stronger but Conditional Ties

France has become one of the leading European supporters of re-engagement with Syria following the political transition. Macron previously advocated lifting Western sanctions, many of which were removed by the European Union in 2025, while restrictions targeting former Assad officials remained in place.

The French president is also expected to discuss counterterrorism cooperation and the possible expansion of diplomatic relations between Paris and Damascus.

President Ahmad al-Sharaa welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron at the People's Palace in Damascus.#Ahmad_AlSharaa#Emmanuel_Macron#Damascushttps://t.co/WnU3JBU1si pic.twitter.com/Yj9qyASXcA

— SANA English (@SANAEnOfficial) July 7, 2026

France currently maintains only limited diplomatic representation in Syria. French officials also confirmed Macron discussed regional security issues with al-Sharaa, including neighboring Lebanon.

According to the Elysee Palace, Macron stressed that Syrian forces should not enter Lebanon under any circumstances. French officials said al-Sharaa assured him that Syria had no intention of deploying troops there regardless of external pressure.

Syria Seeks Broader Partnerships

Damascus views Macron’s visit as another sign of its growing international acceptance. During an economic forum held alongside the visit, al-Sharaa said Syria wanted France to become one of its principal economic partners.

He argued that recent regional disruptions had highlighted Syria’s strategic geographic position as a transport and trade corridor linking the Middle East with the Mediterranean.

The visit follows a series of high-profile diplomatic engagements since Assad’s removal, including visits by Qatar’s emir, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Following his meetings in Damascus, Macron is traveling to Turkiye to attend the NATO summit, with French officials confirming that his travel schedule remains unchanged despite Tuesday’s explosions.