IED blasts rock Damascus during Macron’s visit to Syria
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – IED explosions on Tuesday struck central Damascus near the Ministry of Tourism, coinciding with French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the Syrian capital, according to Syrian officials and state media.
A government source told North Press that the blasts injured Deputy Tourism Minister Faraj Qashqous and several ministry employees, according to a preliminary casualty toll.
Syrian state-run al-Ikhbariya news channel quoted a security source as saying that two improvised explosive devices detonated in Damascus. Security forces have launched an investigation and are searching for those responsible, the source added.
The French presidency said President Emmanuel Macron did not hear any explosions while traveling to the People’s Palace for talks with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
Columns of smoke were seen rising near the Ministry of Tourism and the Four Seasons Hotel in central Damascus following the explosions.