Explosion Reported Near Hotel Where French President Macron Was Staying in Syria; Macron Safe

▲ French President Emmanuel Macron

An explosion occurred near a hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was scheduled to stay during his visit to Syria, foreign media outlets including Reuters and AP, as well as local media, reported on July 7 (local time).

A security source stated that the explosion took place near the Four Seasons Hotel in the Syrian capital of Damascus earlier today.

President Macron, who arrived in Damascus yesterday, was scheduled to stay at the hotel.

Syrian state television reported that shortly after the explosion, President Macron was received by Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara at the presidential palace.

The French presidential palace stated in a press release that despite the explosion, President Macron is safe and will continue his visit to Syria without interruption.

Following the explosion, roads in the area were cordoned off, and tight security measures were implemented.

A witness reported hearing an explosion nearby and seeing smoke rising from the scene.

It has not been confirmed whether there were any casualties from the explosion, nor whether President Macron was at the hotel at the time of the blast.

Videos posted on social media showed a vehicle engulfed in flames and bloodstains on the road.

President Macron is the first European leader to visit Damascus since the ousting of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and the subsequent regime change.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)

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