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Syrian state media reported that two homemade explosive devices detonated in adjacent areas near Victoria Bridge in central Damascus on Tuesday. Initial reports from the scene pointed to deaths and injuries though authorities had not issued an official casualty count hours after the blasts. The Internal Security Command immediately began combing the area and searching for those responsible in what state media described as an ongoing operation.
The explosions occurred as French President Emmanuel Macron had entered the presidential palace for talks with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, according to an Associated Press account of the French leader’s schedule. Syrian media noted that Macron was staying at the nearby Four Seasons Hotel where a large plume of smoke became visible after the blasts. The French president’s office stated that Macron remained safe and that his landmark visit to Syria would proceed without interruption.
Footage circulated on social media showed a vehicle on fire and blood stains on the street near the site, the Associated Press reported based on widely shared videos. State media cited an unnamed security official in confirming that the two blasts were caused by explosive devices. No group had claimed responsibility for the attack as of Tuesday afternoon.
The incident follows a July 2 explosion at a popular cafe near Damascus’ Palace of Justice that killed 10 people including six lawyers and wounded 22 others, Syria’s Health Ministry told the Associated Press and Al Jazeera. Mourners attended funerals for the victims days later as officials promised to pursue those behind the earlier attack. Syrian authorities raised the cafe blast’s death toll from nine to 10 on July 3.
Security incidents involving explosive devices have occurred intermittently across Syria in 2026, a period that has included attacks on both civilian and military targets, according to multiple reports from Al Jazeera. The latest blasts come amid broader diplomatic efforts that include Macron’s engagement with the current Syrian leadership. Syrian officials had not issued further comments on the Tuesday explosions by early evening.
