Explosions occurred Wednesday in Damascus near the Four Seasons Hotel shortly after French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in the Syrian capital for a meeting with President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The blasts took place as Macron entered the presidential palace to hold discussions with al-Sharaa, marking the first visit by a leading Western head of state to Syria since al-Sharaa assumed power.

The French presidential office confirmed that Macron was unharmed and that the scheduled talks continued despite the incident. The visit is seen as a significant diplomatic development amid ongoing tensions in the region and came just before Macron was set to attend a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.

Syrian state media, citing an unnamed security official, reported that two explosions struck in the heart of Damascus near the hotel where Macron was staying. Images released showed security personnel inspecting burnt vehicles in the vicinity. No immediate details were provided regarding casualties or the perpetrators behind the blasts.

The trip represents a rare engagement between Western officials and the Syrian government, which has remained largely isolated since the outbreak of conflict in the country. Macron’s meeting with al-Sharaa underscores France’s interest in re-establishing dialogue and exploring avenues for stability in the region.

Authorities in Damascus have not publicly attributed responsibility for the attacks, and no group has claimed them thus far. The timing of the explosions raised concerns about the security environment in the Syrian capital amid high-profile diplomatic activity.

President Macron’s visit and the accompanying security incidents highlight the complexities of re-engagement with Syria, where longstanding conflict and geopolitical rivalries have severely constrained international relations. The outcomes of the French-Syrian discussions have not been disclosed, but the encounter itself signals a cautious step toward dialogue after years of estrangement.