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Explosions have reportedly erupted close to a hotel where Macron is staying.
09:12, Tue, Jul 7, 2026 Updated: 09:12, Tue, Jul 7, 2026
Smoke billows over Damascus after a blast (Image: @ZaidBenjamin5/X)
Explosions erupted in Damascus on Tuesday during a visit to Syria by French President Emmanuel Macron. News agency, AFP, reported a loud explosion in the city, which coincided with the leader's vist.
Mr Macron arrived in Syria on Monday (July 6), making him the first major Western leader to visit the war-torn country since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in 2024.
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38 seconds ago09:12 Astha Saxena
Explosions 'surprised' everyone
Al Jazeera's reporter, Obaida Hitto, who was present at the scene in Damascus said: "The explosions surprised everyone here," adding that “the situation is an extension of what happened just days before the president arrived”.
14 mins ago08:59 Lauran O'Toole
Macron 'did not hear any explosions'
According to the Élysée Palace, French President Emmanuel Macron heard no explosions on his way to meet Sharaa.
The French president did not hear any explosions while on his way to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the Elysee palace said.
Macron with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (Image: Getty)
17 mins ago08:56 Lauran O'Toole
Further explosions heard near the Syrian Tourism Ministry
Further explosions have been reported near the Syrian Tourism Ministry, according to Al Jazeera.
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18 mins ago08:55 Lauran O'Toole
Two explosions heard near Macron's hotel
Two explosions have been heard near a hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was meant to be staying during a visit to the capital.
24 mins ago08:49 Jon King
Video shows smoke after Damascus blast
Video footage posted on X shows smoke rising into the sky after the blast in Damascus.
Initial reports claim there were multiple blasts, but this has not been confirmed yet.
WATCH: Multiple explosive devices detonated near the Damascus hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron is staying, according to a Reuters security source. The blasts occurred during Macron\u2019s landmark visit, the first by a major Western leader to post Assad Syria.
The story\u2026
27 mins ago08:46 Jon King
Welcome to our live coverage
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage. I'll be bringing you the latest as more details emerge.
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