ALBAWABA - Two explosions went off in Damascus today as French President Emmanuel Macron is conducting a state visit to the country, Syrian Television reported Tuesday.
According to emerging reports, the explosions come from IEDs set off near the Ministry of Tourism, close to the Four Seasons hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron is staying during his visit.
Macron has met with his Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa in the Presidential palace after the explosions were heard in the capital, according to multiple reports.
Syrian state media, citing an unnamed security official, said that the two blasts in the heart of the capital near Victoria Bridge were caused by explosive devices, adding that the explosives went off while they were being defused by security forces.
According to the French President's office, Macron has not heard any explosions and the visit will continue despite them.
Multiple clips circulated on social media of a vehicle on fire and blood stains on the street. Reports state the explosions left 18 people injured, including 4 police officers.
Additionally, no group immediately claimed responsibility for the explosions.
It is worth noting that Macron is the first major EU leader to visit Damascus since the fall of former Syrian leader Bashar Assad.
Last Thursday, nine people were killed, and 22 were injured in an explosion that rocked the Syrian capital, inside a cafe near the Palace of Justice.
