Two bombs exploded in Damascus on July 7, 2026, injuring 18 people during a historic visit by French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron was unharmed and continued his meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The attack highlights Syria's fragile security as its new government seeks French partnership and investment for reconstruction after years of civil war. France and Syria announced deals including asset returns and port operations.
Damascus explosions
- ▪A separate bomb attack at a Damascus cafe killed at least 10 people and wounded more than 20 in the week prior to Macron's visit
- ▪Two improvised bombs exploded in central Damascus on July 7, 2026, during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron
- ▪No group immediately claimed responsibility for the July 7 explosions
- ▪At least 18 people, including four police officers, were injured in the explosions
- ▪The two explosive devices were placed in a parked car and a garbage can near the Syrian Tourism Ministry and the Four Seasons Hotel
Macron Syria visit
- ▪President Macron had previously played a major role in advocating for the lifting of most Western sanctions against Syria
- ▪The Élysée Palace stated President Macron did not hear the explosions from his motorcade and that his visit would continue as scheduled
- ▪President Macron was unharmed and meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace when the blasts occurred
- ▪President Emmanuel Macron's trip was the first official visit to Syria by an EU head of state since the 2024 ouster of Bashar al-Assad
Security breach investigation
- ▪The attack underscored ongoing security challenges for Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose government took power in 2024 after leading rebel forces
- ▪Syrian officials stated the bombs were planted outside the security cordon for President Macron's residence and posed no direct threat to his visit
- ▪Internal security forces launched search operations to identify those responsible for the attack
- ▪Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa said he wants France to be a "primary partner" for Damascus, which he described as a vital global transit hub
Syria reconstruction plans
- ▪Syria's infrastructure is in ruins after more than 13 years of civil war, with an estimated 90% of the population living in poverty
- ▪President Macron announced France is ready to help rebuild Syria's economy and banking sector, including providing assistance to its central bank
- ▪French shipping company CMA CGM signed a partnership deal with Syria that includes handling air cargo freight at Damascus airport
French business deals
- ▪France and Syria agreed to start a process to restore €51 million in assets that were confiscated from Rifaat al-Assad, the late uncle of Bashar al-Assad
- ▪The CEO of French oil major TotalEnergies was part of President Macron's delegation to discuss a potential exploration contract with Syrian officials
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