Syria reports detention of group after explosions near…

Syria reports detention of group after explosions near Macron's hotel

10.07.2026 06:02 HotInfo

Syrian authorities announced the detention of a group said to be behind Tuesday's explosions in Damascus near the Four Seasons hotel, where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying during his visit. Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab stated that the attack was linked to the Islamic State. One person was killed and 36 people were injured in the explosions. hnonline.sk ↗

Macron arrived in Damascus as the first major Western leader and the first head of state from an EU country since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024. The explosions occurred during his program in the Syrian capital, but the Élysée Palace reported that the president was safe and the visit continued. The French president met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, and Paris presented the trip as support for stabilization, political transformation, and the country's reconstruction. teraz.sk ↗

According to available information, the Syrian leadership did not disclose the identities of those detained or details of their affiliations. Before the attack, media reported 18 injured; authorities later raised the toll to 36 injured and one victim. The incident disrupted the new leadership's efforts in Damascus to present the country as more stable after years of war. aktuality.sk ↗

The visit also brought diplomatic steps between France and Syria, including the restoration of ambassadors after more than a decade. France also signaled its intention to return to Syria millions in assets linked to the Assad regime. Further developments will depend on the investigation into the attack and on whether the new Syrian authorities can convince foreign partners of their security control over the country. teraz.sk ↗