Damascus stories

Jul 7, 2026

Explosions Rock Damascus During French President Macron's Historic Visit to Syria

Two bombs exploded near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying in Damascus during the first visit to Syria by a major Western leader since Assad's fall, wounding at least 18 people including security personnel.

Jul 7, 2026·20 sources

Apr 28, 2026

Syria Begins First Public Trial of Assad-Era Officials in Damascus

A Syrian court held its first public hearing in the trial of ousted president Bashar al-Assad and senior officials from his former government. Former security chief Atef Najib appeared in person, while Assad and his brother Maher are being tried in absentia.

Apr 28, 2026·6 sources

Top claims

▪French shipping company CMA CGM signed a partnership deal with Syria that includes handling air cargo freight at Damascus airport.
▪The attack underscored ongoing security challenges for Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose government took power in 2024 after leading rebel forces.
▪Syria's Interior Ministry reported the bombs detonated as security forces were preparing to defuse them after their discovery.

Topics

Terrorism & counterterrorism Wars & conflicts Middle East Syria Post-conflict reconstruction Bashar al-Assad

War crimes & accountability

Transitional justice

Related entities

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