Two bomb explosions struck a busy area in Damascus on Tuesday near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron held meetings during his visit to Syria. Syrian state media reported the blasts, while the French presidency said Macron did not hear the explosions. The president continued with his planned schedule and later met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace.

The incident highlighted the serious security challenges that Syria continues to face. Macron became the first head of state from a major European Union country to visit Syria since rebels led by Ahmed al-Sharaa removed former President Bashar al-Assad from power in 2024. His visit aimed to strengthen ties with Syria's new leadership and show support for the country's political transition.

The explosions took place in a crowded area between the Syrian Tourism Ministry and the National Museum. The location stands across the street from the Four Seasons Hotel, where Macron had been meeting members of civil society. Syrian state news agency reported that 18 people suffered injuries in the blasts, including four police officers.

The first explosion occurred shortly after Macron's motorcade left the hotel for the presidential palace. Reuters footage showed flames and smoke rising from a trash can. A second explosion took place only a few metres away and was captured on camera. The second blast happened next to an ambulance parked at the scene, where nearly two dozen people had gathered.

Witnesses saw flames and thick black smoke rising from an area near several shops. Emergency teams reached the site quickly and worked to control the fire. Reuters also captured Macron's motorcade travelling on a highway toward the presidential palace before the explosions. Later photographs showed Macron standing with Ahmed al-Sharaa and meeting other Syrian officials and military officers.

Syrian authorities immediately launched an investigation into the attacks. State-run Al-Ekhbariya TV quoted a security source saying that internal security forces had started search operations to identify those responsible. Security officials also sealed nearby roads and increased security measures across the area after the explosions.

The French presidency said the explosions were not audible from Macron's presidential motorcade. A Reuters journalist travelling with the French press group also said they did not hear the blasts or notice any disturbance during the president's morning engagements. The French presidency added that Macron intended to continue with his planned schedule for the day.

Macron's visit focused on Syria's political transformation under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The new Syrian leader has built closer ties with several Western and Middle Eastern countries that had avoided relations with Bashar al-Assad's government. Sharaa now seeks international support to rebuild Syria after 13 years of conflict left the country heavily damaged.

Syria still faces major security threats despite the political changes. During the years of civil war, several militant groups, including Islamic State, established a strong presence in different parts of the country. Violence has continued even after the change in leadership.

Last week, another bomb exploded at a café in Damascus. The attack killed nine people and injured 20 others. No group claimed responsibility for that incident.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for several attacks on Syrian government forces since February. The militant group announced what it described as a new phase of operations against the government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa. These attacks have raised fresh concerns about Syria's ability to maintain security during its political transition.

Ahmed al-Sharaa belongs to Syria's Sunni Muslim majority. Since taking office, he has promised to create an inclusive political system after ending more than five decades of rule by the Assad family. However, repeated outbreaks of violence have tested that promise. Clashes have taken place between pro-government forces and members of religious and ethnic minority communities. These incidents resulted in the deaths of many hundreds of people last year and continue to challenge the country's efforts to restore stability.

Macron's visit marked an important diplomatic step for Syria's new leadership. However, the bomb blasts near his hotel served as a reminder that the country still faces serious security risks even as it works to rebuild its institutions, strengthen international partnerships, and move toward a more stable future.