Two explosions struck the Syrian capital, Damascus, in an incident that unfolded close to where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying, according to reporting. The blasts, which came one after the other, caused a number of injuries and drew immediate international attention because of the high-profile visit taking place in the city.
The location of the explosions placed them near sensitive sites. According to the account, the blasts occurred in the vicinity of the Tourism Ministry and the hotel where the French president was staying, putting the incident close to both a government building and the delegation visiting the Syrian capital.
The human toll was reported in the aftermath of the explosions. According to the reporting, 18 people were injured in the blasts, and four of them were police officers, indicating that members of the security forces were among those caught up in the incident.
The French president was in Damascus for a diplomatic engagement at the time. According to the account, Emmanuel Macron, who was visiting the Syrian capital, was said to have been meeting the Syrian president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, during the period in which the explosions took place near his hotel.
The blasts were described as a pair of bomb attacks in the city. According to the reporting, the two separate attacks in Damascus prompted a swift reaction from the region, with the focus turning to the security situation in the Syrian capital and the safety of those present.
Turkey was among those to respond publicly to the attacks. According to the account, Turkey condemned the attacks, stating that there is no place for violence and terrorism in Syria, and its Foreign Ministry issued a statement following the incident in the Syrian capital.
In its statement, Turkey also stressed its continued support for Syria. According to the reporting, Ankara said it would keep up its solidarity with the Syrian people and continue providing the necessary support for efforts aimed at establishing lasting stability and security in the country.