Explosions heard near hotel where President Macron staying in Syria

A series of explosions have been heard near the hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron is due to stay in Syria.

Roads ⁠have been sealed ⁠off and security measures ‌implemented after the blasts, which were heard in Damascus.

At least 18 people were injured, including four police officers, in the explosions that went off as Mr Macron entered the Syrian presidential palace.

A witness told Reuters news agency the devices went off in the vicinity of the French leader's hotel and verified footage appeared to show ​smoke rising from a road near the Four Seasons in the Syrian capital.

Mr Macron ​is the first major Western leader ​to visit Damascus ⁠since former Syrian dictator, Bashar ⁠al Assad, was toppled - to be replaced by ex-al Qaeda commander and rebel leader, Ahmed al Sharaa.

The French president was received by the Syrian leader at the presidential palace shortly after news of the explosions broke, according to Syrian state TV.

The Elysee Palace said the president did not hear any explosions while on his way to meet al Sharaa.

The French president's office added that he was safe and that his visit to Syria was continuing.

Syrian state TV also said there were two blasts, caused by explosive devices - one put in a rubbish bin and the other in a parked car.

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Mr Macron tweeted in the aftermath of the blasts: "Nothing can smother the aspiration of Syrian women and men to live in a fully sovereign, safe, pluralistic, and united Syria.

"This morning I met Syria in all its diversity. I saw dignity, courage, and determination. My visit continues."

So far, no group has claimed responsibility.

An investigation is currently taking place at the scene of the attack. Footage widely circulated on social media showed a van and a motorcycle on fire with blood stains on the street.

Mr Macron arrived in the country on Monday night with an economic delegation and is due to sign memorandums of understanding with his counterpart as the devastated country tries to lure investors to help it rebuild after 14 years of war.

Syrian authorities have not yet commented on the attack.

The French president's visit comes before he heads to a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, where a substantial weapons spending announcement is expected to be made.

(c) Sky News 2026: Explosions heard near hotel where President Macron staying in Syria