EXPLOSIONS IN DAMASCUS DURING MACRON STATE VISIT

At least two explosions occurred in Damascus on 7 July near the Four Seasons Hotel, where France's President Emmanuel Macron was staying during an official visit to Syria. The blasts took place whilst Macron was inside the presidential palace meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Video footage captured the moment of at least one of the explosions in the capital.

The timing of the incidents coincided with high-level diplomatic engagement between France and Syria. Macron's visit represented an official state meeting with the Syrian administration. The explosions occurred in close proximity to Macron's accommodation in the city centre.

No immediate statement confirmed the cause, origin or responsibility for the blasts. The circumstances surrounding the explosions and any impact on the diplomatic visit remained unclear at the time of reporting.