An explosive device detonated near the hotel of French President Emmanuel Macron in Damascus on Tuesday, according to a report. Macron had left the area moments before the blast and was unharmed. The device was reportedly planted on a vehicle near the hotel.
A short time ago, a new report indicated that the explosion near French President Emmanuel Macron's hotel in Damascus was caused by an explosive device planted on a vehicle. Macron had left the area moments before the blast and was unharmed, according to the report. This update provides a more specific location — the hotel — and suggests a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, differing from the trash-bin bombs described earlier.
The Zioneer's initial reporting at 11:13 Jerusalem cited a Syrian security source reporting two IEDs in Damascus. Within minutes, the desk updated to note three reported killed, and then the Elysee Palace confirmed that Macron was unharmed and had already departed for the Syrian presidential palace. All three reports were timestamped at 11:13 Jerusalem, reflecting the rapid pace of developments. At 11:14 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that Macron had arrived at the Syrian presidential palace.
The Zioneer reported at 11:11 Jerusalem that the Elysee Palace said Macron's visit would continue as planned despite the explosions. At 11:14 Jerusalem, Macron was seen arriving at the palace, indicating the visit was not interrupted.
It remains unclear whether the vehicle-borne device was part of the same attack that produced the earlier trash-bin bombs or a separate incident. No group has claimed responsibility. The Syrian government has not commented.
7 developments
- DevelopingElysee: Macron did not hear Damascus explosions, on his way to Syria meeting
- StrongMacron arrived at Syrian president's palace after explosions near his hotel
- StrongSyrian Interior Ministry: Two explosions near Tourism Ministry in Damascus were improvised bombs, 18 wounded
- DevelopingMacron meets Syrian President al-Sharaa in Damascus, N12 reports
Source and signal
- Internal intake