Explosions near hotel where Macron is staying in Damascus

New Delhi: Two explosions rocked central Damascus on Tuesday near the Four Seasons Hotel while French President Emmanuel Macron was meeting Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the presidential palace, highlighting the security challenges that continue to confront Syria despite efforts to restore stability. The blasts occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel, where Syrian media reported Macron was staying during his visit. The French president's office said Macron was safe and that his meeting with al-Sharaa continued as scheduled. Syrian authorities did not immediately comment on the incident. State media, quoting an unnamed security official, said the explosions were caused by explosive devices. Thick smoke was seen rising from the site, located near the Tourism Ministry and the Damascus National Museum. Videos circulating on social media showed a van and a motorcycle on fire, with bloodstains visible on the street. There were no immediate reports of casualties, and no group claimed responsibility for the attack. Landmark Western leader visit Macron is the first major Western leader to visit Syria since al-Sharaa came to power after the ouster of Bashar Assad in 2024. The French president arrived in Damascus on Monday night with an economic delegation and is expected to sign several memorandums of understanding aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and supporting Syria's reconstruction. France has played a leading role in pushing Europe and the United States to ease sanctions on Syria to facilitate rebuilding efforts. Before heading to the presidential palace, Macron also met members of Syrian civil society, although his office did not disclose details of the participants. Security concerns persist The explosions come days after a bomb attack at a cafe near Damascus' Justice Palace killed at least 10 people and injured more than 20 others. The latest attack is a setback for al-Sharaa's government, which has sought to consolidate control, restore stability and reassure minority communities and Western governments following years of civil war. While violence continues in several parts of Syria, the capital has remained relatively calm since the change in government, making Tuesday's explosions particularly significant. Syria's 14-year conflict killed nearly half a million people, displaced millions and devastated much of the country's infrastructure. Although several countries and businesses have pledged investments, Syria still requires hundreds of billions of dollars to rebuild its economy, restore basic services and convince foreign investors that security conditions are steadily improving.