Explosions in Damascus, with French President Emmanuel Macron staying at a nearby hotel.

On Tuesday, explosions occurred in Damascus, Syria, where French President Emmanuel Macron was visiting. Witnesses reported hearing the blasts and seeing smoke rising from the area. According to a security source, a series of explosive devices detonated near the hotel where Macron was staying. The roads were blocked, and security forces were deployed. Syrian state media confirmed that two bombs exploded near the hotel, which is located between the Ministry of Tourism and the National Museum. The explosions injured 18 people, including four police officers. The first explosion occurred shortly after Macron’s motorcade departed toward the presidential palace, where a meeting with Syrian President Assad was planned. Footage from Reuters showed flames and smoke coming from a trash bin, with a second explosion occurring a few meters away. The second blast happened near an ambulance parked at the scene, where around twenty people had gathered. The Élysée Palace stated that no sounds of explosions were heard in Macron’s motorcade, and journalists accompanying Macron did not hear or see any disturbance during his morning appearances. Macron continued with his scheduled activities, meeting