Explosions struck near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron’s historic visit to Syria, injuring at least 18 people. Authorities launched an investigation as emergency crews responded to the blasts, while officials said Macron was not in danger and continued his scheduled meetings.
DAMASCUS, Syria — Two explosions struck the area around the Four Seasons Hotel in central Damascus on Tuesday, injuring at least 18 people and triggering a major security operation while French President Emmanuel Macron was making a landmark visit to Syria.
According to the Hotels website the property is no longer managed by Four Seasons.
According to Syrian state media, the blasts occurred near the Ministry of Tourism and the National Museum, directly across from the Four Seasons Hotel, where Macron had been meeting members of Syrian civil society before departing for talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
French officials said Macron was already en route to the presidential palace when the explosions occurred and was never in danger. The French presidency said neither the presidential convoy nor accompanying journalists heard the blasts, and the visit continued as scheduled.
At Least 18 Injured
Syrian state news agency SANA and state television reported that at least 18 people were injured, including four police officers.
Reuters journalists at the scene witnessed one explosion occurring near an ambulance that had arrived following the initial blast. Video captured flames erupting from what appeared to be a public trash container as emergency responders and bystanders rushed for cover. Thick black smoke rose above the district while firefighters extinguished burning vehicles and debris.
Authorities immediately sealed off surrounding streets while security personnel launched searches for suspects.
A Syrian security official told state television that investigations are underway to identify those responsible. No organization has claimed responsibility.
Eyewitness Videos Show Panic
Numerous videos posted to Facebook, Telegram, X, and regional media outlets appear to show:
- smoke rising near the Four Seasons Hotel;
- civilians running from the scene;
- damaged vehicles burning along the roadside;
- ambulances responding within minutes;
- Heavily armed security forces are establishing cordons.
Al Jazeera and several regional broadcasters reposted footage showing the explosions from different angles, lending credibility to the location of the incident.
One Reuters video captured the second explosion occurring only meters from emergency personnel responding to the first blast, suggesting either a coordinated attack or secondary explosive device. (Reuters)
Official statements
The Syrian Interior Ministry announced that security forces had begun an investigation and implemented extensive security measures around the affected district.
French officials stressed that Macron’s schedule remained unchanged.
“The explosions were not audible from the presidential motorcade,” the Élysée Palace said, according to Reuters.
Strategic timing
The attack came during Macron’s historic visit—the first by a leader of a major European Union country since the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024.
Macron’s trip is intended to demonstrate European support for Syria’s political transition under President Ahmed al-Sharaa while encouraging reconstruction and renewed diplomatic engagement. (
Background: Security Challenges Continue
Tuesday’s explosions follow a series of recent attacks highlighting Syria’s fragile security environment.
Only five days ago, an improvised explosive device detonated inside a crowded café near Damascus’ Palace of Justice, killing at least nine civilians and injuring around twenty others. Syrian authorities described that attack as terrorism and continue investigating those responsible.
Since early 2026, the self-proclaimed Islamic State has claimed several attacks targeting Syrian government forces, although no evidence has yet linked Tuesday’s explosions to the group. Reuters notes that no organization has claimed responsibility for the latest incident.
The Four Seasons: Symbolic Target
The Four Seasons Hotel has long been among the most heavily secured buildings in Damascus. During the Syrian civil war, it served as headquarters and accommodation for United Nations agencies, diplomats, foreign journalists and international delegations. Although it no longer operates under official Four Seasons management because of sanctions-related ownership changes, it remains one of Syria’s premier diplomatic hotels. (Wikipedia)
Developing story
Investigators have not yet determined:
- whether the devices specifically targeted the presidential visit;
- How many explosive devices were planted;
- whether the blasts were remotely detonated;
- Who was responsible?
Officials caution that the investigation remains in its early stages.
Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. Casualty figures, the sequence of events, and attribution may change as Syrian authorities and independent investigators release additional information. Current eyewitness videos confirm explosions, smoke, emergency response, and security lockdowns, but many social media claims about perpetrators and intended targets remain unverified.