Emmanuel Macron’s office has spoken out after explosions rocke Damascus near to the hotel where he is staying. Explosions erupted in Damascus on Tuesday during a visit to Syria by the French President.

News agency AFP reported a loud explosion in the city, which coincided with the leader’s vist. The Elysée Palace has announced that Mr Macron is “safe and sound” and will continue with his visit. Mr Macron arrived in Syria on Monday (July 6), making him the first major Western leader to visit the war-torn country since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in 2024.

The Ministry of Interior confirmed that 18 people including 4 police personnel have been injured in the explosion. In a statement to SANA, the ministry said Internal Security Forces detected the two explosive devices during field operations and specialized units began procedures to defuse them. The devices exploded while preparations for the disposal operation were underway.

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