Damascus blasts leave one dead and 36 injured as Macron presses on with visit
Damascus blasts on July 7, 2026 killed one and wounded 36 as President Macron continued his visit; Syrian authorities probe two devices near the Four Seasons.
The Syrian capital was shaken by explosions on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, that killed one person and wounded 36 others, officials said, as French President Emmanuel Macron pressed ahead with a bilateral visit. Syrian state media, citing the health ministry, gave a breakdown of injuries and said most were minor while several people required hospital treatment. The attacks occurred near central government buildings and a major hotel where Macron had lodged the previous night, heightening concerns about security during the high-profile trip.
One Dead, Dozens Wounded in Damascus Blasts
Syria’s Ministry of Health reported on Wednesday that one person had died and 36 were wounded following the blasts in central Damascus. Of those injured, the ministry said 31 sustained minor wounds while five were hospitalised and described as in stable condition. The exact identity of the fatality was not released by state agencies as investigations continued.
Explosive Devices Located Near Four Seasons Hotel and Tourism Ministry
Local authorities said the explosions struck close to the Ministry of Tourism and the Four Seasons Hotel, a notable area for visiting dignitaries and diplomats. Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Damascus reported that Macron had stayed at the hotel the night before the attacks, underlining the proximity of the blasts to international accommodations. City officials said the location added urgency to the investigation and prompted heightened security measures around diplomatic sites.
Authorities Say Bombs Detonated During Disposal Preparations
Syria’s Ministry of Interior described two separate explosive devices — one concealed in a parked car and another hidden inside a rubbish container. The ministry stated both devices detonated “while preparations were under way” to dismantle them, suggesting bomb-disposal teams were on scene when the explosions occurred. Officials have not publicly provided a timeline of the disposal effort or identified suspects, but said examinations were continuing at the blast sites.
Macron Presses On, Calls for Stability in Syria
French officials confirmed that President Macron had already left the hotel for Syria’s presidential palace before the explosions occurred and that he did not hear them. Macron held a joint news conference with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and affirmed he would continue his scheduled engagements, saying the country must not be “destabilised” by the attacks. Syrian President al-Sharaa publicly praised Macron’s decision to remain in Damascus and described the French leader’s actions as an expression of courage.
Bilateral Agreements Signed During Landmark Visit
Syrian and French officials said the visit produced a series of bilateral agreements, which Damascus described as spanning civil aviation, health, banking, water infrastructure and road projects. Syria’s foreign ministry framed the visit as a “pivotal point” in relations and suggested the accords could help rebuild key services and reconnect Syria with international partners. Syrian ministers also indicated they see France as a potential primary partner in regional transit initiatives following recent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Security Climate and Recent Attacks in Damascus
The blasts cast a shadow over a visit that Syrian authorities hoped would signal a move toward normalisation after years of conflict. Authorities noted that a separate attack five days earlier had killed 10 people in a Damascus cafe, underscoring a recent spike in violence that officials say threatens reconstruction efforts and investor confidence. International diplomats in the capital have called for careful investigation and tighter protective measures around foreign delegations and civilian gathering places.
French and Syrian delegations departed Damascus after concluding their bilateral programme and travelled to Ankara, Turkiye, to attend an annual NATO summit, officials said. The trip to Turkiye was part of Macron’s broader regional engagements and came amid discussions on security, transport and economic cooperation. Both sides insisted the visit and subsequent meetings would continue despite the security incidents, framing the diplomatic momentum as essential to longer-term recovery and regional stability.
Investigations into the origin and perpetrators of the July 7 blasts remain active, with Syrian security services leading forensic and intelligence efforts at the blast sites. International partners and local officials have not released further details about suspects or claimed responsibility, and authorities cautioned that final conclusions would await forensic results. For now, the immediate priority declared by Damascus and visiting delegations is to stabilise security in central Damascus while advancing the newly announced cooperative projects.
