Explosions in Damascus Injure 18 Near Macron's Hotel
Quick Look
- Two explosions near the Four Seasons hotel in Damascus injured 18 people, including four police officers.
- French President Emmanuel Macron, who had been staying at the hotel, was safe and continued his visit as planned.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Explosions occurred in central Damascus near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying. Macron was in the capital for talks with Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa.
A number of people have been injured after explosions in central Damascus, reportedly near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron had been staying.
A security source told the BBC the blasts were caused by two explosive devices. Syrian media said 18 people, including four police officers, were injured.
Macron is in the capital for talks with his Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace. His officials said he was safe and did not hear the explosions.
After travelling to Syria, Macron is set to head to Turkey for the Nato summit. The visit "continues as planned", according to the Elysee Palace.
After reports of the explosion in the city, videos and images on social media showed plumes of smoke and flames rising from a vehicle near a hotel in the Syrian capital.
As those reports came in, Syrian state television said that al-Sharaa had welcomed Macron to the presidential palace.
BBC Verify has been analysing video footage of the blasts, which shows the explosions happened approximately 125m from the Four Seasons hotel, on the pavement of Shoukry al-Quowatly, a major thoroughfare running through the capital.
Open Questions
- Who was responsible for the explosions?
- What was the motive behind the attack?
