Explosions reported in Damascus during French President's visit

French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Damascus, the capital of Syria, for an official visit. According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the French leader was welcomed by Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa with an official ceremony.

Following the welcoming ceremony, the two leaders held both private and expanded-format meetings involving their respective delegations.

During the visit, security concerns emerged as two separate explosions were reported in the vicinity of the hotel where the French President was staying. At the time of the incident, Emmanuel Macron was attending a meeting with the Syrian President at the People's Palace. Official authorities have not yet released information regarding the cause of the explosions or potential casualties.

This visit marks a significant diplomatic development, as it is the first official trip by a leader of a European Union member state to Syria following the change of government that occurred in the country in December 2024. The visit is being closely monitored by international observers due to the ongoing geopolitical shifts in the region.