1 killed, 31 injured in explosions during Macron visit to Damascus

At least 1 person was killed and 31 others were injured when two explosions went off in Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Syria, according to Syrian officials.

The blasts happened Tuesday morning near Syria’s Ministry of Tourism and close to a hotel where Macron was expected to stay during his visit to the capital, according to Al Jazeera.

At least 1 person was killed and 31 others were injured, including 4 police officers, according to Syria’s Interior Ministry.

Syrian state media SANA, citing the Interior Ministry, said security forces were trying to dismantle two explosive devices planted near the ministry when they detonated. The explosions damaged nearby buildings and vehicles.

Interior Ministry spokesperson Nour al-Din al-Baba said preliminary findings indicate the devices had been planted only minutes before they exploded. He said investigators have found an initial lead, but it was too early to identify those responsible.

Al-Baba said the attack was an attempt to target the security perimeter around Macron’s visit, but the devices exploded at the edge of the perimeter and failed to breach it. He said the attack appeared intended to disrupt Syrian-French relations and undermine Macron’s visit.

Macron was on his way to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa when the blasts occurred and did not hear the explosions, his office said, according to Al Jazeera. The visit continued as scheduled.

“Nothing can silence the aspiration of Syrian women and men to live in a fully sovereign, safe, pluralistic and united Syria,” he said. “This morning I met Syria in all its diversity. I saw dignity, courage and determination. My visit continues.”

No group has claimed responsibility for the explosions. Syrian officials said the investigation is ongoing and more details would be released once security operations are completed.