Witnesses near the hotel said they heard a powerful blast early on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, before seeing thick smoke rising from the area.
France’s presidential office, the Élysée Palace, said President Macron, who was traveling in his official motorcade at the time, did not hear the explosions and was not in danger. It confirmed that the French leader was safe.
Following the blasts, security forces immediately sealed off all roads leading to the hotel, restricting public access as authorities tightened security around the area.
Shortly afterward, Syrian state television broadcast footage of President Macron being welcomed at the Presidential Palace by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, indicating that the visit was proceeding as planned.
Macron is the first head of state from the European Union to visit Syria since 2024, when rebels led by Ahmed al-Sharaa overthrew the government of former President Bashar al-Assad.
The visit reflects Syria’s significant political shift since al-Sharaa assumed power. Once affiliated with the terrorist group Al-Qaeda, al-Sharaa has pledged to rebuild relations with Western countries that had long opposed the Assad government.
President al-Sharaa has said he is seeking closer cooperation with developed nations to help rebuild Syria after the devastating 13-year civil war that unfolded under Assad’s rule.
A Sunni Muslim, al-Sharaa has promised to establish a new Syria founded on national unity, tolerance, and inclusive governance while ending decades of authoritarian rule.
Despite those ambitions, Syria continues to face major security and reconstruction challenges, as government forces remain engaged in clashes with armed groups linked to various religious and ethnic factions across the country.
