Tuesday, 7 July 2026 MUMBAI EDITION LIVE

Explosions Hit Damascus Near Macron's Hotel

Blasts occur near French leader's hotel, meeting with Syrian president continues

Farida Sheikh
Farida Sheikh
International Affairs Writer · Tue, 07 July 2026 at 01:57 pm
Explosions Hit Damascus Near Macron's Hotel

A series of explosions rocked central Damascus, close to the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron is staying. The incident occurred while Macron was in the city to meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Despite the explosions, Macron went ahead with his scheduled meeting, marking a significant diplomatic engagement between the two countries. As the first EU leader to visit Syria since 2024, Macron's trip is focused on discussing reconstruction efforts and strengthening diplomatic ties.

The meeting between Macron and al-Sharaa covered a range of topics, including counterterrorism cooperation and regional security matters. The discussions aimed to address the ongoing challenges in the region and explore ways to enhance collaboration between France and Syria.

The explosions in Damascus serve as a reminder of the volatile security situation in the city. However, Macron's decision to proceed with his meeting demonstrates his commitment to engaging with Syrian leaders and exploring opportunities for cooperation.

Macron's visit to Syria is seen as a significant step towards rebuilding diplomatic relationships between the EU and Syria. The meeting with al-Sharaa is expected to pave the way for further discussions and potential collaborations in the future.

The international community is watching the developments in Syria closely, with many nations expressing interest in supporting reconstruction efforts and promoting regional stability. Macron's visit is likely to be followed by further diplomatic engagements, as the global community seeks to address the complex challenges facing the region.

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