![Smoke and fire rise at a site where explosive devices blew up in Damascus [Yamam Al Shaar/Reuters]](https://www.citinewsroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-07-083549.png)
At least two explosive devices detonated in the Syrian capital, Damascus, on Tuesday, July 7 as French President Emmanuel Macron was in the country for talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The blasts, which occurred in a busy civilian area, sent plumes of smoke into the sky and prompted an immediate security response. Television footage and videos verified by Al Jazeera showed smoke billowing over the city, while one vehicle was seen engulfed in flames.
A Syrian security official described the incident as a “criminal act,” saying the explosions took place in a densely populated area and warning that casualties were feared. Authorities have not yet released an official death toll or confirmed the number of people injured.
The explosions reportedly occurred near the Ministry of Tourism and a hotel where President Macron had been expected to stay during his visit.
Despite the incident, the French president’s office said Macron, who was travelling to meet President al-Sharaa at the time, neither heard the explosions nor altered his schedule. The visit proceeded as planned.
An Al Jazeera correspondent reporting from the presidential palace said the atmosphere there remained calm despite the explosions elsewhere in the city.
Meanwhile, Syrian authorities have cordoned off the affected area, closed surrounding roads and launched an investigation to determine the cause of the blasts and identify those responsible.
The latest attack comes less than a week after another explosion struck a café in central Damascus, killing at least nine people and injuring 20 others, according to Syria’s Ministry of Health, underscoring ongoing security challenges in the capital.
