Syria's Interior Ministry said Tuesday that the explosions in the capital were an attempt to hit the security fence around French President Emmanuel Macron, according to Israeli news outlet ynet. No further details on casualties or the nature of the blasts were provided.
The Syrian Interior Ministry stated Tuesday afternoon that the explosions in Damascus were an attempt to target the security fence around French President Emmanuel Macron, according to Israeli news outlet ynet. This marks a more specific claim from Syrian authorities, following earlier reports that the blasts were caused by an explosive device. Macron, who is in Damascus on the first visit by a Western leader since the fall of the Assad regime, said his visit continues and that nothing can undermine Syrians' desire for a secure and sovereign Syria.
The Zioneer reported earlier this morning (Tue 10:45 Jerusalem) that explosions were heard near Macron's hotel and that a Syrian security source said they were caused by an explosive device. At the same time, we reported on Macron's meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, the first such meeting by a Western head of state in Damascus since the regime change. Macron subsequently posted on X and made statements reaffirming his commitment to the visit. The Interior Ministry's claim now provides a potential motive for the attack, but no group has claimed responsibility.
The Zioneer has previously reported on security incidents in Syria, including an ISIS-claimed attack on the Syrian Interior Ministry in Raqqa (June 16) and a July cafe bombing in Damascus that killed nine people, attributed to an improvised bomb. These incidents underscore the volatile security environment in the country.
It remains unclear whether the explosions caused any casualties, what type of device was used, and who was behind the attempt. The Interior Ministry's statement has not been independently verified, and no further details on the perpetrators have been released. Macron's schedule and the impact on his visit are also not yet fully known.
8 developments
- StrongMacron arrived at Syrian president's palace after explosions near his hotel
- DevelopingSyrian Interior Ministry: Damascus double bombing intentionally targeted civilians
- DevelopingElysee: Macron did not hear Damascus explosions, on his way to Syria meeting
- StrongSyrian Interior Ministry: Damascus cafe blast was improvised bomb, 9 dead
Source and signal
- Internal intake