What Macron's Visit Meant for War-Torn Syria Before Twin Blasts Rocked Damascus Near His Hotel
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Twin blasts rocked Damascus during Emmanuel Macron's landmark visit to Syria, highlighting the country's fragile security despite ongoing political and economic rebuilding efforts.
By Pranjal Gupta
New Delhi, July 7: Several explosions occurred in Syria’s Damascus near Four Seasons Hotel, where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying. By the time the blasts happened, Macron had entered the presidential palace to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa for his landmark visit to the country. While French authorities confirmed that Macron was safe, such an attack sparked safety concerns for a leader who had always been a good ally. Macron pushed Europe and the United States to drop most sanctions on Syria.
Macron reached Syria on Monday night, accompanied by an economic delegation. The convoy was supposed to sign memorandums of understanding (MoU) with his counterpart, as Syria tries to rebuild itself after 14 years of war. The country in the Middle East is desperate for investors to inject money into its economy.
According to state television in Syria, there was more than one attack - videos of which are being widely circulated on social media. The media reports stated that two blasts took place in the heart of the capital, triggered by explosive devices. While one of the explosives was kept in a garbage bin, another was in a parked car.
Fortunately, there were no casualties, but four people, including several police officers, sustained injuries.
Area Housed Key Offices
A large plume of smoke could be seen from the site. The area is on a busy street in Damascus, near the headquarters of the Tourism Ministry and the Damascus National Museum.
Footage widely circulated on social media showed a van and a motorcycle on fire and blood stains on the street.
No group immediately claimed responsibility.
Earlier Bombings in Damascus
The incident comes days after an explosive device was detonated in a cafe near the Justice Palace in Damascus, killing at least 10 people and wounding more than 20.
The explosions are a blow for al-Sharaa, who came to power after leading an insurgency that ousted Bashar Assad in 2024.
He has since pushed to assert full control and bring stability in war-torn Syria, appeal to minorities skeptical of his Islamist-led rule, and win the support of Western governments who were skeptical of his past leadership of the former al-Qaeda-linked Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group. His government has promised political and economic reform after decades of autocratic rule.
War-Torn Syria
While Syria's new rulers have wrestled with violence involving different groups in the country as they work to assert control, the capital has largely been peaceful during the turbulent period.
The conflict in Syria killed nearly half a million people and displaced millions. Syria's infrastructure lies in ruins, and while other nations and businesses have made large investment pledges, the country still needs hundreds of billions of dollars to rebuild and lift millions out of poverty.
Before arriving at the presidential palace, Macron met with members of Syrian civil society, though his office did not provide details on who they were.
Macron's Message and Relationship in Future
"Nothing can smother the aspiration of Syrian women and men to live in a fully sovereign, safe, pluralistic, and united Syria. This morning I met Syria in all its diversity. I saw dignity, courage, and determination. My visit continues," said Macron in a post on X hours after the blast took place.
While Macron appeared calm in his message to the poeple of Syria, the blasts served as a reminder that the road ahead remains uncertain.
