The Elysee Palace said Tuesday that French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Syria will proceed as planned, despite explosions in Damascus earlier in the day. The statement comes after Macron was confirmed unharmed from the blasts.
The Elysee Palace confirmed Tuesday that French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Syria will continue as planned, despite the explosions that occurred in Damascus earlier in the morning. The statement reaffirms the president's schedule, following earlier reports that Macron was not harmed and had left his hotel minutes before the blasts. The confirmation comes after a rapid sequence of updates throughout the morning.
The Zioneer's reporting traced the unfolding events: At 10:45 Jerusalem, a single unconfirmed report described two explosions near the Syrian Ministry of Tourism, close to Macron's residence. Minutes later, Syrian state television broadcast footage of Macron meeting Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to counter rumors. By 10:42, the Elysee had issued multiple statements confirming Macron was en route to the meeting and unaware of the blasts, while Israeli media (Israel Hayom, N12) and the AFP cited French security sources corroborating his safety. The latest thread version, published at 10:42, cited Syrian sources via Abu Ali Express stating Macron was unharmed and continued his day as planned.
The visit, which began Monday, marks the first by a Western head of state to Syria since the fall of the Assad regime, as The Zioneer reported on Monday evening.
The source and motive of the explosions remain unconfirmed. No group has claimed responsibility, and it is unclear whether the blasts were directly related to Macron's presence.
12 developments
- DevelopingMacron responds to Damascus explosions: 'My visit continues, Syrians aspire to live in secure, sovereign Syria'
- StrongMacron arrived at Syrian president's palace after explosions near his hotel
- StrongNew footage emerges of Damascus explosions during Macron's visit
- DevelopingMacron visits Umayyad Mosque in Damascus with al-Jolani
Source and signal
- Internal intake